Did you know that hearing loss is not reserved for older people? In fact, it can strike at any age, including infancy. No matter the age when hearing loss develops, if it is left intreated it can have immediate and noticeable effects.
Infancy to Age 5
In every 1,000 babies, two are born with hearing loss, and another two develop hearing loss before beginning kindergarten. Delays in milestone developments such as being startled by loud noise, responding to familiar voices, and babbling are common signs of hearing loss at this age. If they do not receive timely hearing loss treatment, these children may have delayed speech perception and production, and delayed cognitive development, especially in regard to language and literacy.
Children
If hearing loss persists untreated or begins during formative school years, four main areas of a child’s life can be impacted:
- language and communication
- social and emotional effects
- educational impact
- cognitive development
Concretely, this manifests as difficulty speaking and understanding the teacher and others, which
can lead to falling behind in school and missing critical auditory experiences that assist with language, literacy, and other scholastic development.
On a social level, without hearing loss treatment, affected children may feel and experience social isolation, frustration, and confusion. Embarrassment, low-self-esteem, depression, and loneliness are also common in children with non-identified/treated hearing loss, and behavioural issues are not uncommon.
Teens & Young Adults
The same issues affect teens and young adults with hearing loss. Loneliness and isolation heighten as they withdraw from their peer group. Delayed social development, depression, and low self-esteem often result.
Academically, noisy classrooms pose challenges, and students may miss important instruction. They may also experience listening fatigue and difficulty concentrating, making the learning experience tiring and frustrating.
Hearing loss also affects young adults professionally in everything from job interviews to employment performance, and interactions with colleagues, superiors, and clients. Financial independence and career development are often impacted without proper hearing loss treatment.
Pre-retired Adults
Well-established adults can also suffer professionally if hearing loss begins. Their withdrawal from social interactions, especially in noisy environments, results in feelings of isolation, loneliness, and low self-esteem. Anxiety and depression are higher in adults experiencing hearing loss. Additionally, the cognitive load of trying to hear can lead to cognitive decline, including memory issues and possibly even dementia.
Seniors
Seniors experiencing hearing loss often find it difficult to engage with family and friends, leading to withdrawal and increased loneliness, anxiety, and frustration. They also experience greater paranoia than those with hearing aids.
A senior’s safety and independence are at risk without treatment, as they cannot hear instructions and warning cues, nor communicate effectively with service and medical providers. Hearing loss can also affect balance, increasing the risk of falls and cognitive decline.
Hearing Loss Treatment in Edmonton
Whatever your age or stage in life, there is likely a solution for your hearing loss. Call the knowledgeable audiologists at Wild Rose Audiology Clinic Ltd. in Edmonton for hearing tests, hearing loss treatment, and so much more.
