The impacts of hearing loss do not merely stop at a reduced ability to listen to or hear the sounds of your surroundings. Some of its lesser-known side effects may pose a risk to your physical and mental health, so you should seek professional advice if you suspect you or your loved ones may be experiencing hearing loss. Learn more about the lesser-known side effects of hearing loss that may affect you and your family members.
Decline in Mental Health
In a 2014 clinical study, 11.4% of participants who experienced some degree of hearing loss reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms, showing a definitive link between hearing loss and a decline in mental health. Hearing loss is a challenging condition that may strain relationships and cause psychological stress. People with hearing loss often find it difficult to communicate effectively with others and find themselves feeling uncomfortable in social settings. Hence, they tend to isolate themselves and experience feelings of alienation and negativity. If these feelings persist, clinical depression may eventually manifest.
Cognitive Decline
Cognitive decline can occur due to a complex interplay of social and biological factors. As previously mentioned, hearing loss makes one prone to social isolation. Staying connected to others is essential for keeping one’s brain healthy and active, so a complete withdrawal from one’s social life has been shown to decrease cognitive function. At the same time, cognitive function can also be reduced by hearing loss itself due to a lack of auditory stimuli. Studies have shown that those with hearing loss suffer from some form of cognitive decline and memory loss. In the long run, poor cognitive function puts one at a higher risk of developing dementia later in life.
Gastrointestinal Discomfort
The digestive and neural systems are closely connected. As hearing loss is distressing regardless of its severity, the mental stress that people experience can impair digestion in a variety of ways:
- Delaying the speed of stomach emptying
- Disrupting the gut flora of the intestines
- Tensing the muscles of the large intestine
- Increasing acid production in the stomach
As a result, people with hearing loss often suffer from a range of digestive issues such as:
- Abdominal cramps
- Stomach upset
- Bloating and indigestion
- Gastritis
- Diarrhea or constipation
Risk of Falls
Our inner ears contain two connected parts—the cochlea and the labyrinth that is responsible for hearing and balance respectively. Certain causes of hearing loss such as Meniere’s disease, a physical injury or an infection can affect both the cochlea and the labyrinth, which in turn leads to balance disorders. Vertigo and dizziness are common symptoms of balance disorders that can increase the risk of falls and cause serious consequences in older adults.
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