Adult Solitude And Its Unseen Causes

Woman at the window looking out and feeling isolated from untreated hearing loss.

As we age, the chances increase that we will be dealing with hearing loss. Some degree of hearing loss is already affecting millions of individuals. But often, seven or more years go by after the initial symptoms appear before individuals get help.

Many older adults choose to ignore their hearing loss, which can negatively affect their social lives. Warning signs include frequently asking people around you to repeat what they have said more loudly and slowly, as well as withdrawing from social situations because they find it difficult to communicate successfully.

You recognize your hearing is important. Our hearing empowers us. With it, we can go out with friends, work, and communicate with people we love. It also helps us remain involved in the outside world and keeps us safe. Even your ability to relax is affected by your hearing. Unfortunately, we frequently take it for granted that we’ll always have strong hearing.

So when your hearing diminishes, and if you’re like most individuals, it will, you’ll feel it emotionally and physically. It has an effect on your general quality of life. Hearing loss can even bring on feelings of separation.

For these reasons, it’s important to identify the early signs of hearing loss so potential treatment solutions can be explored. Most forms of hearing loss, thankfully, can be managed. If you are suffering from hearing loss and are distressed about missing important interactions, you should contact a hearing professional in your area immediately. These pros will help determine your level of hearing loss, and also whether your hearing, and general health, would benefit from wearing hearing aids.

Studies show that using a hearing aid can, for those dealing with age-related hearing loss, help decrease the chances of social isolation by making communication in social situations easier. Hearing aids make it easier for older adults to carry on their regular activities and interact socially with friends, family members, and the other individuals with whom they communicate each day.

According to studies carried out at Johns Hopkins University, hearing loss has been linked to many health issues from mental acuity, loss of memory, depression, as well as a higher risk of getting Alzheimer’s. These health issues can be prevented by managing hearing loss.

Personal relationships, particularly with family and friends, rely heavily on communication. Hearing loss can lead to miscommunication, frustration, and estrangement between friends and family members.

Hearing loss also presents safety concerns. There are essential warning sounds that appear in your life like alarms, horns, sirens, and the sound of traffic approaching which you need to be able to hear. Hearing aids will help keep you safer by letting you hear these sounds.

Hearing loss can have an adverse impact on your income. If you are suffering from hearing loss and are a member of the labor force, it can lead to frustration, lost details, and inevitably reduce your ability to earn. Using hearing aids can be helpful.

It’s crucial that the individual with hearing impairment take the first step and schedule a hearing examination, but family members can also be a great help. If you are dealing with hearing loss, you need to get hearing a exam and commit to treatment (such as using hearing aids routinely), so you can once again hear all the sounds and conversations that are relevant in your day-to-day life. Ultimately, it’s important to acknowledge that you aren’t alone. With assistance from family members, hearing specialists, and hearing aids, you can avoid feelings of solitude and once again socialize with your cherished family members and friends.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.