According to the World Health Organization, 1.5 billion people worldwide suffer from hearing loss. By 2050, this figure could reach 2.5 billion. Hearing loss can complicate daily life, particularly through these significant but little-known consequences.
People with hearing loss fall more often
People with mild hearing loss are three times more likely to fall than those with good hearing. The National Institute on Aging reports that one in four adults over 64 falls each year, while one in three adults aged 65 to 74 has hearing loss. This link could be explained by inner ear disorders causing balance problems. Possible causes of dizziness or a sensation of imbalance include:
Earwax buildup
Everyone produces earwax, but sometimes excessive production can cause temporary hearing loss until the blockage is removed. An ear wash at the doctor's office or softening drops are usually enough to solve the problem. Avoid inserting anything into the ear, such as a cotton swab: this could push the earwax further in and create a blockage.
Ménière's disease
This inner ear disorder usually begins in adulthood. Often, only one ear is affected. Ménière's disease causes dizziness and intermittent hearing loss, which leads to permanent deafness in most affected individuals.
Acoustic neuroma
Once rare, this pathology is becoming increasingly common. It mainly occurs in people aged 40 to 60. Also known as schwannoma, this benign brain tumor causes dizziness and tinnitus. Hearing loss appears in 90% of affected individuals. Ear infections Viral and bacterial ear infections can disrupt balance and reduce hearing. Once the infection has healed, most people regain their hearing. Unfortunately, some medications can also cause ear problems, including hearing loss.
Cognitive decline is linked to hearing loss
A recent study suggests a link between hearing loss and cognitive decline. Research also indicates an increased risk of dementia, which could be explained by the fact that the temporal lobe, which manages auditory processing, also houses short-term memory. People with hearing loss also tend to isolate themselves from social activities. It takes a lot of mental energy for them to process sounds and understand what is being said, especially in the presence of background noise. However, social activities are essential for staying healthy and maintaining cognitive functions.
Hearing loss puts a strain on relationships
People with hearing loss tend to miss out on conversations. Not understanding what is being said gives a feeling of exclusion and promotes loneliness, anxiety, and depression. As it becomes more difficult to communicate with a person with hearing loss, conversations become less frequent. Since communication is the key to a healthy relationship, no longer being able to communicate effectively with family and friends weighs on both the person with hearing loss and their loved ones. Solutions exist for hearing loss There is hope for those whose hearing loss comes from inner ear damage. Discover CLARIA rechargeable hearing aids and never miss a single conversation again.
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