There are many consequences of untreated hearing loss. It can make it hard to listen to your favorite music or understand what your grandchild is saying over slices at Georgio’s Pizzeria.
In addition to the obvious issues, hearing loss can also cause several side effects that may surprise you.
Increase Anxiety and Depression 
Hearing loss can negatively affect your mental health in several ways. You may become anxious about your hearing and worry about how it will affect your ability to perform at work or socialize with others. Additionally, not being able to follow conversations between you and your family or friends can lead you to feel lonely and depressed.
Puts Strain on Relationships
Because socializing with others becomes so much more difficult, many people with hearing loss begin to withdraw or isolate themselves from others. This can put a strain on existing relationships. Relationships with partners and spouses may be the hardest hit, as they may become isolated as well or feel as though they aren’t being listened to due to more frequent miscommunications.
Greater Risk of Cognitive Decline
One of the more serious health problems connected to hearing loss is cognitive decline and dementia. Previous research has shown that people with hearing loss are more likely to develop dementia. While the link between the two conditions is not entirely understood, scans have shown that hearing loss may contribute to a faster rate of atrophy in the brain.
Problems With Gut Health
While it may sound far-fetched, hearing loss may lead to increased digestive issues and problems with your gut health. This is because hearing loss can significantly increase stress levels. Higher levels of stress can affect your gut in numerous ways, causing issues like abdominal cramps, nausea, trouble eating, and indigestion, among others.
Treat Hearing Loss To Improve Your Health
Though the side effects can be serious, treating hearing loss can help reduce your risk of health complications and improve your relationships with others.
A study conducted in 2013 found that hearing aid use in older individuals with hearing loss was significantly associated with a reduced odds of major depressive disorder and other depression symptoms.
Hearing aids help keep you connected, mentally engaged and can reduce your stress and anxiety when it comes to interacting with the world around you. If you’ve noticed problems hearing, call the experts at Torrance Audiology to schedule an appointment.