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Hearing loss cases in adults are not uncommon in India. The loss only gets worse as you age; the remedy is to get treated at the right time. Noted American deaf and blind author, Hellen Keller sums it up best – “Blindness cuts us off from things, but deafness cuts us off from people.” The impact of hearing loss may be grave if not treated on time.
Factors
There are several factors that contribute to hearing loss in adults such as genetics, level of noise exposure, age, trauma and infectious diseases such as meningitis. In most cases, hearing loss is gradual and affects both ears equally; it initially upsets the higher frequencies and later the lower frequencies. As the process is slow, adults do not instantly recognise the impact of hearing loss and this delays the treatment of the condition.
Impact
Coping with profound hearing loss isn’t easy, due to the impact it has on your daily life. Hearing loss has been linked to anxiety, depression, social isolation, fatigue and loss of independence and self-confidence. The person starts losing the ability to hear soft sounds such as whispers. The hearing ability continuously deteriorates till a point when the person can no longer hear normal conversations and loud sounds. Hearing loss is termed by many as an ‘invisible handicap’ that gradually creeps and wreaks havoc into one’s social, professional and personal life.
Hearing loss may have the following effects –
- Social isolation
- Self-criticism / depression
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Anger
- Strain on interpersonal relationships at home and outside
- Loss of productivity at work
- Loss of independence and self-confidence
Treatment
The first and foremost thing is accepting that you have hearing loss; living in denial will just prolong its effects and delay the recovery process. Hearing aids will be fitted, which is an integral part of a long treatment process. Research has shown that getting treated for hearing loss may result in overall satisfaction and improved quality of life. There are group and individual speech rehabilitation programs that are implemented during the later stages of treatment.
Timely and proper treatment of hearing loss may improve the following –
- Emotional stability
- Earning power
- Control over life events
- Confidence communicating to others
- Confidence communicating in relationships
Hearing loss may severely impact your quality of life in multiple ways. Get back your life by seeking timely and appropriate treatment.
References:
http://www.drugs.com/health-guide/hearing-loss-in-adults.html
http://www.cochlear.com/wps/wcm/connect/in/home/understand/i-have-hl
