The Long-term Effects of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss affects 48 million people in the U.S. and can occur at birth or at any stage of life. It's something that can be attributed to a number of causes, including age, illness, accident, or injuries, or due to extreme or consistent exposure to loud noises.

Given that hearing is one of the primary senses and functions of the body, loss or weakening can lead to a lot of health problems and concerns. It’s not restricted to the ears either. There are various problems that come with it, including physical, mental, emotional, and occupational effects like:

A decline in cognitive function

Your brain needs sound signals for stimulation, and with a loss of hearing, these signals are no longer reaching your brain. This means you're likely to lose control and function of this body part. The gradual loss of control and stimulation can also lead to conditions such as dementia and Alzheimers in the long-run, putting those suffering from it at risk.

It’s not as simple as looking at hearing loss as the impact on a particular organ; the issue runs much deeper than that.

Trouble with equilibrium

In addition to the other obvious physical side-effects is the loss of balance, equilibrium, and ability to navigate. The ears play a vital role in sending signals to the brain, which help navigate more easily, as a result of the inability to register various signals. As people adjust to the loss of hearing, it can take a while before they fully regain their ability to balance.

Other health effects include headaches, dizziness, and greater dependence on assistance and aids.

 

Strained personal relationships

Chronic conditions and illnesses can take a toll on personal relationships, especially those that transition into caregiver roles. It’s made especially challenging by the fact that it’s a communication barrier, and takes a while to adjust to as you and those around you learn to communicate in a new manner.

Mental health effects like stress and depression

Stress, depression, isolation, and other mental health concerns can emerge as a result of hearing loss too. The sense of isolation in tackling the condition, coupled with the difficulty in communicating and processing this now chronic health condition, navigating your changing relationships, and, of course, occupational challenges, is a lot to take in.

We depend on our auditory capabilities in order to make our way around, and as that gets progressively more challenging, or our ability to work is directly affected by this.

Hearing loss is devastating, to say the least, and more so when preventable. If you have suffered hearing loss as a result of faulty products and would like to file a lawsuit against 3M, reach out to Lisa Douglas. Offering services in Little Rock, she is an attorney helping those in the 3M defective earplug lawsuit; you can reach out to her to know more.

 

 

 

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