Hearing loss has significant effects on both children and adults. Studies have shown that children with mild or moderate hearing loss can have difficulties learning and developing the necessary speech and language skills. As a result, their self-esteem and their performance in school drop.
Hearing loss will change how your child speaks, learns, and interacts with others if not detected early. Therefore, being conscious about your child's hearing ability soon after they are born is very important. If hearing loss is detected early, the required measures are taken, and the child can develop normally.
In adults, when hearing loss is left untreated, it affects both their social life and health. It reduces their quality of life too. Hearing loss impacts health in various ways including frequent headaches, increased stress and blood pressure.
Hearing loss is also linked to depression, withdrawal and impaired memory.
Hearing Loss Effects on Children
- Delayed speech and language skills
Children with hearing loss cannot hear sounds well. They may have problems speaking clearly and may not use sounds like s, sh, f, t, or k.
- Learning problems in school
Children with hearing loss don't learn words as fast as those with normal hearing. They will have difficulties learning abstract words and have trouble understanding and using sentences too. As a result, they fall further behind in their academic work.
- Social skills
Hearing loss makes it difficult for the children to talk to others. They will not want to play or interact with other kids.
Children with hearing loss will have low self-esteem, feel alone and are always unhappy.
Hearing Loss Effects on Adults
- Depression
Studies have linked hearing loss with depression. Adults who experience hearing loss will tend to self-isolate and withdraw. They will also have a prolonged feeling of sadness and loneliness. Most of the time, they might be perceived as angry by others because of how they treat themselves and the people around them.
- Quality of life
Hearing loss will reduce an individual's quality of life. It gives an individual self-esteem issues and a lack of confidence to interact with others.
When you suspect that you are experiencing hearing loss, the first thing you need to do is see an audiologist and get a hearing test. The audiologist will then recommend the best treatment. Don’t leave your hearing loss untreated.
If you think it’s time to get a hearing test, visit an Attune Hearing clinic near you. We provide comprehensive hearing tests and offer custom earplugs to protect your hearing. Visit our website to book an appointment.