Hearing Loss and Your Health

Hearing loss can affect more than just your ears: it can affect the rest of your life.

You may miss out on talks with coworkers, friends and family. You may miss out on hearing your grandchild's first words. You may have trouble meeting new people or facing new surroundings. On the telephone, you may find it difficult to make out what the caller is saying. At the doctor's office, you may not catch all of what the doctor says. You may nod your head in agreement when you've missed what's been said. You feel insecure in many daily situations.

Sometimes hearing problems can make you feel embarrassed, upset and lonely. It's easy to withdraw when you can't follow a conversation in the workplace, at the dinner table, or in a restaurant. It's also easy for friends and family to think you are confused, uncaring, or difficult, when the problem may be that you just can't hear well.

Those suffering from hearing loss can become isolated by their inability to effectively communicate. That's why it is vitally important to see a hearing specialist if hearing loss is suspected. If left untreated, hearing loss can lead to depression, high blood pressure, anxiety, and other unhealthy feelings and behaviors. Hearing loss does not have to get in the way of your ability to enjoy life.