What Happens if You Don’t Treat Hearing Loss?

When a person is diagnosed with hearing loss, the following process is usually set in motion:

• The person discusses their level of hearing loss with their hearing care professional
• They are advised on the device that may be suitable for them
• They have the opportunity to try different devices and can then select the hearing aid that is most compatible with their lifestyle
• The person is then able to wear their hearing aids and enjoy a full hearing capacity as a result.

The above is the standard process, but what happens if someone is never diagnosed with hearing loss as they do not attend a hearing test or they are diagnosed, but decide hearing aids aren’t for them?

The risks of untreated hearing loss

Hearing loss is something that many people expect; in fact, it is often seen as a consequence of aging and something that is not unduly concerning. If someone can continue to live mostly as normal – or their version of normal – then it may seem tempting to avoid hearing aids and carry on as they are.

However, hearing loss is not just a problem in and of itself; it’s also a contributor to a number of different conditions that can impact health and well-being. If a person chooses not to treat their hearing loss, they will be at higher risk for the following:

• Dementia. Numerous studies have shown that untreated hearing loss appears to be a significant contributing factor for those who experience cognitive decline, especially in later life.
• Memory issues. As well as dementia, untreated hearing loss is associated with poor memory, as well as impacting the ability to complete tasks.
• Trips and falls. Studies have also found that hearing loss places a person at far higher risk of experiencing balance issues, which tends to result in a higher number of trips and falls.
• Personality changes. People with untreated hearing loss often experience personality changes, such as being more prone to experience anger, irritability or stress.  
• Mental health issues. Depression and anxiety are more common in people with untreated hearing loss.
• Social implications. When people are struggling to hold a conversation due to problems with their hearing, they begin to avoid conversations. This tendency can eventually result in social isolation and loneliness.
• Reduced alertness. If a person is living with untreated hearing loss, they will be less alert to their surroundings, which can pose significant threats to their safety.
• Work-related issues. People with extreme hearing loss are less likely to perform well at work and research has even suggested that there is a link between decreased earning power and untreated hearing loss.

As the above makes clear, the risks posed by untreated hearing loss are substantial and impact many more areas of life than just your hearing. As a result, if you suspect you have hearing loss – or have already been diagnosed, but have yet to seek treatment – then speaking to a hearing care professional as possible to explore the treatment options that may be suitable for you.