Did you know that not seeing an audiologist when you truly should be could harm your health? Audiologists do a lot more than test for and treat hearing loss; they help heal you from the inside out. Here are three ways that you could be harming yourself and your health by not seeing an audiologist when you should.

Risk of social isolation

By avoiding the audiologist for help with hearing and hearing health needs you risk social isolation. Hearing loss, especially severe hearing loss, is hard on a person. A person can begin to clam up over time due to the strain and inability to communicate with others, especially in loud environments. An audiologist can not only test your hearing and prescribe hearing aids to assist in hearing the world again properly and more loudly, but they can also counsel and rehabilitate you back into society. After all, it can be quite overwhelming at first with the increase in volume of the world around you.

Risk of dementia increased

Yes you read that correctly. By not treating your hearing loss properly you put yourself at risk for developing dementia and even Alzheimer’s. As we get older our hearing naturally declines, but when not treated properly this decline in hearing can cause more problems within the brain, such as decreased cognitive ability, which can then lead to increased development of dementia and even Alzheimer’s. However, by treating the hearing loss over time, as it is noticed, or by aggressively treating it later on when dementia may be present, you face less of a chance of developing a decline in cognitive ability and dementia.

Risk of anxiety and depression

By not treating your hearing loss or ear health properly and initially you are at risk for developing anxiety and/or depression over time. Humans have an innate need to communicate. When one is unable to communicate properly and he or she can become sad and disconnected from the world, leading to depression and anxiety.

If you are suffering from hearing loss, earwax impaction or symptoms of tinnitus, don’t hesitate to contact an audiologist in your area. Audiologists are knowledgeable and well versed when it comes to treating a plethora of hearing issues.