Myth #2 It is just a hearing loss.
Having a hearing loss has widespread effects on your physical health and social life. Having even a mild hearing loss will triple the risk of falls in older adults (Lin & Ferrucci, 2012) and increase the chances of developing dementia (Lin et al., 2011). Naturally, hearing loss makes communication harder which may add tension between the hearing loss sufferer and their social groups. This, in turn, increases the individual’s risk for depression and social isolation (Rutherford et al., 2018).
A hearing loss is not just a hearing loss. It is important to protect your hearing and if there are any concerns, be sure to contact a hearing health professional for early management of any issues.
References:
Lin, F. R., & Ferrucci, L. (2012). Hearing loss and falls among older adults in the United States. Arch Intern Med, 172(4): 369-371.
Lin, F. R., Metter, E. F., O’Brien, R. J., Resnick, S. M., Zonderman, A. B., & Ferrucci, L. (2011). Hearing loss and incident dementia. Arch Neurol, 68(2): 214-220.
Rutherford, B. R., Brewster, K., Golub, J. S., Kim, A. H., & Roose, S. P. (2018). Sensation and psychiatry: Linking age-related hearing loss to late-life depression and cognitive decline. Am J Psychiatry, 175(3): 215-224.