Hearing loss isn’t just about losing your hearing, no matter what you might think. If you are experiencing hearing loss, you’ll know that it can affect you in a variety of different ways that may not immediately be linked to your ears and the conditions that can cause you to lose your hearing.
Hearing loss can mask other problems
When you are unwell and are experiencing a medical condition, you will want it to be noticed, diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. This will usually begin with you realizing something is wrong, a friend or family member noticing that you’re not your usual self.
If you have hearing loss, the symptoms of some other conditions might be masked, meaning that you don’t get the help you need quickly. For example, did you know that cardiovascular disease can cause hearing loss? So, if you experience hearing loss it might be because of your heart rather than your age or because of the loud music you’ve listened to for years.
Alternatively, sometimes those with hearing loss can be confused or distracted because they can’t hear correctly, yet these can also be symptoms of dementia.
Cognitive functioning
Studies have shown that there is a definite link between hearing loss and cognitive decline. Although it’s not entirely clear – as yet – why there is a link and why those who experience hearing loss are at more risk of dementia, it is something to be aware of, and it’s yet another reason why hearing loss can affect other areas of your life. The prevailing theory right now is that when the brain compensates for lack of hearing, it takes away from other areas such as memory.
If you have hearing loss, it’s important to be aware of this link, whatever the reason behind it. If you find that you are getting confused or forgetful, you should seek the help of an audiologist as soon as possible. As mentioned above, hearing loss can mask other urgent symptoms, so you will need to be vigilant in ensuring all is well.
Exhaustion
It may sound strange to suggest that hearing loss can cause exhaustion, but the truth is that it certainly can. Because the brain has to work so much harder to make sense of conversation, language and other noises that it needs to interpret, this can lead to mental exhaustion, which in turn leads to physical exhaustion. A result of exhaustion could be that you’re less productive at work, or you’re unable to attend your usual exercise classes.
As well as this, exhaustion can, ironically, lead to lack of sleep. Being overly tired is not something just reserved for babies and toddlers; it can affect adults too. When you are overly tired, you are too tired to sleep.
The exhaustion you are experiencing means that you can’t relax because you’re so worried about whatever it is that is causing you to stay awake in the first place. Lack of sleep can itself lead to a variety of health conditions such as heart failure, diabetes and high blood pressure.
