The people we meet, the conversations we have, and our
social interactions are some important elements that make us human. Constantly
missing what people say and making them repeat themselves can take a toll on
the quality of your interactions. Consequently, being among people may make you
more anxious instead of excited.
Since hearing is essential for connecting with others and
participating in social settings, addressing a hearing loss in time is vital.
Various studies show that children, adults, and the elderly with hearing loss
may easily feel isolated, frustrated, and depressed, resulting in behavioural
problems.
Hearing loss does not always occur suddenly; it can
sometimes be a gradual process. A person is said to have hearing loss if they
cannot hear sounds quieter than 15 to 20 decibels, such as whispering or leaves
rustling. It could also be mild, moderate, or severe, affecting one or both
ears.
So, if you notice that it is getting harder to hear what
people say, you should speak to an audiologist to know if you need to have your
hearing tested or require hearing aids. It is better to be wrong about it than
to ignore any changes in your hearing.
The Impact of Hearing Loss on Mental Health
One of the most significant impacts of hearing loss on one's
mental health is the feeling of frustration. When you can't follow a
conversation or are unsure whether people are talking to you, it can be
challenging to constantly ask others to repeat themselves.
This is why many seniors who experience hearing loss
sometimes prefer to isolate themselves. Also, asking people to speak loudly or
repeat sentences can draw unwanted attention. Such occurrences can lead to
feelings of anxiety and depression.
When it's difficult to participate in social activities,
enjoy music or entertainment, and participate in professional settings, it can
lead to a reduced sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. Additionally, not
everyone is sensitive to this issue, so it is easy to ignore people with
hearing loss.
Moreover, studies have linked untreated hearing loss to a
higher risk of decline in cognitive ability and dementia. This is because
constantly straining to hear and understand conversations can overload a
person's cognitive resources.
Similarly, multiple research studies show that hearing loss
is linked to higher stress levels, anxiety disorders, depression, and emotional
disorders. It is not far-fetched to see the link between them when you picture
the everyday difficulties that hearing loss can cause in one's interactions
with others.
Thus, addressing hearing loss early through intervention is
necessary to restore a person's ability to engage fully in various aspects of
life.
The Perks of Early Intervention
Early intervention ensures that any issues with one's
hearing are treated before they get worse. It also helps the person avoid
getting accustomed to it and adapt their environment to hearing loss.
As well, addressing hearing loss early helps individuals
regain and enhance their communication abilities. Whatever the intervention
method (e.g., hearing aids, cochlear implants, etc.), it would enable people to
participate in conversations actively, understand speech better, and connect
with others.
Particularly for children, it is important to address any
hearing loss early, knowing the difference that a change in their hearing can
make in the quality of their lives. This is even more crucial considering the
cognitive decline associated with hearing loss.
Early intervention works to maintain better cognitive
functions for patients. This profoundly affects memory and attention, reducing
the risk of cognitive decline. Additionally, intervention includes special
education (for children and young adults), family support, the use of hearing
aids, and the use of assistive devices.
Barriers to Early Intervention
The primary reason people may not seek help early is that
they either don't recognize the symptoms of hearing loss or are hesitant to
acknowledge it due to the associated stigma.
Some individuals experience psychological resistance or
denial when faced with the reality of hearing loss. It is easier to fall into a
pattern of adjusting your interactions because of your hearing loss, which
negatively impacts your mental health.
Also, people with hearing loss may need help communicating
effectively, hindering their ability to seek help or access needed services.
This is why they need others who offer emotional support and are willing to
cater to their needs patiently.
Delays in detection and diagnosis can hinder early
interventions, as well. Because hearing loss often progresses gradually, it is
easy for someone to dismiss any changes in their hearing.
Financial constraints are also a huge barrier to early or
any interventions. Costs related to hearing assessments, hearing aids, and
other assistive devices can be expensive, discouraging people from seeking
those options.
There may also be a limit to the range of healthcare
services available. Thus, individuals residing in certain areas may face
challenges accessing necessary evaluations, audiology, and hearing care.
How to Overcome Barriers to Early Interventions
Acknowledging the existence of barriers to early
interventions is the first step to overcoming them. You can address the
barriers discussed above through targeted campaigns, accessible healthcare
services, financial support, and culturally sensitive approaches.
Raising awareness about the effects of hearing loss on
mental health is a great way to inform people of the benefits of early
intervention. When people are aware of such effects, they are more likely to
recognize the signs of hearing loss and promptly seek help.
In addition, going for routine screenings is highly
encouraged, especially for older adults and those constantly exposed to
excessive noise. Routine checks ensure that you can promptly identify any signs
of hearing loss.
Another way to overcome barriers to early intervention is
improving access to quality and affordable healthcare and hearing aids. This makes it easier to seek medical help and not focus on the cost
or the difficulty involved.
As well, addressing the psychological implications of
hearing loss is crucial in overcoming barriers to early interventions. People
can receive comprehensive care that addresses the potential psychological
effects by integrating mental health support into hearing loss interventions.
Comprehensive care involves collaborating with mental health
professionals, providing counselling services, and creating support groups.
These measures help individuals cope with the emotional challenges associated
with hearing loss and encourage them to seek early interventions.
Early Interventions Reduce the Impact of Hearing Loss on Mental Health
Our hearing abilities are connected to our ability to enjoy
the world around us. It helps us understand conversations, interact with our
environment, and function professionally. So, it is essential to be intentional
about treating any hearing loss. You should never dismiss any changes in your
hearing. Routine checks are beneficial because hearing loss is usually gradual.
Although hearing loss can make it harder to be in large
groups, closing yourself off from people or avoiding activities you would
typically enjoy is not advisable. It's best to consult with an audiologist, get
your hearing tested, and discuss the solutions available.
Finally, the role of emotional and mental support cannot be
overemphasized. Anyone with hearing loss should have the support they need to
communicate effectively and get any required treatments.
