Effects of Untreated Hearing Loss
Untreated hearing loss (not wearing a hearing aid) can lead to social, psychological and physical issues. While the effects of hearing loss are different for each individual, most hearing-impaired people suffer some consequences until they seek treatment.
Ahrens Hearing Aid Center in Fair Lawn, NJ, can assist you on your path to healthy hearing. Call 201-794-0120 today to schedule an appointment.
Studies have linked untreated hearing loss to:
Social consequences, including:
- Lack of concentration
- Problems communicating with your spouse, relatives and friends
- Problems communicating at work
- Reduced social activity
- Isolation and withdrawal
Psychological consequences, including:
- Sadness and depression
- Feelings of embarrassment, guilt, shame and anger
- Low self-esteem and self-criticism
- Increased anxiety
Physical consequences, including:
- Frequent headaches
- Stress
- Sexual problems
- Tiredness and exhaustion
- Sleeping and eating problems
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) linked untreated hearing loss to serious mental health challenges, especially in seniors. In a survey of those with untreated hearing issues, the NCOA found that two-thirds of the respondents age 55 and over didn’t believe they needed a hearing aid. About half of the non-users cited the cost of hearing aids. And, one in five expressed embarrassment, and said that hearing aids would make them feel old.
However, hearing loss isn’t just an ailment of aging – it affects all ages, even those in early childhood. For young sufferers, even a mild case of hearing loss can cause difficulty learning, delayed speech and difficultly building interpersonal skills. Children with untreated hearing loss might have difficulty in school and developing healthy self-esteem.
At Ahrens Hearing Center, our caring staff provides full-care hearing loss support. We perform thorough audiometric evaluations to gauge your hearing abilities and limitations. If you need hearing aids, we provide hearing device sales, fittings and other services necessary for your individualized treatment plan.
We proudly provide hearing healthcare services for patients in the Fair Lawn, Hackensack and Paramus communities. Call 201-794-0120 or contact us online to schedule your hearing evaluation today.
