Having too much earwax can be bothersome. It often leads to earaches and a blocked feeling in your ears, as if you’re underwater or have something lodged in there. For many, earwax might not seem like a big deal, but excessive earwax may lead to hearing loss.
Frequent earwax removal is a simple yet vital practice that prevents complications like hearing loss. If ignored, these issues can deeply impact our overall health and quality of life over time. Let’s discuss more about how excessive earwax build-up leads to auditory complications and what are the dangers of untreated hearing loss.
How Many People Suffer from Untreated Hearing Loss?
In the UK, hearing loss is a surprisingly widespread issue, affecting around 12 million people, or approximately 1 in every 5 people. This makes it the second most prevalent disability in the country, more widespread than diabetes, coronary heart disease, and cancer combined. Despite its prevalence, many people often ignore or delay seeking treatment for hearing loss.
What are the Dangers of Ignoring Hearing Loss?
It’s quite alarming that despite the significant risks, only about 20% of people who could improve their lives with hearing aids use them. This neglect is particularly concerning given the clear connection between how severe hearing loss is and the increased risk of dementia.
In fact, for every 10 decibels of hearing loss, there’s a 14% rise in the risk of developing dementia. These figures highlight the urgency of actively and promptly treating hearing loss. Timely measures taken to manage hearing loss can drastically minimise its long-term health impacts.
How are Untreated Hearing Loss and Social Isolation Connected?
One of the less visible consequences of untreated hearing loss is its impact on the brain and social interactions. Hearing loss can accelerate brain atrophy and significantly contributes to social isolation. People with hearing difficulties may withdraw from social engagements, avoiding conversations due to the challenge and potential embarrassment of not understanding others. This reduction in social interaction not only diminishes quality of life but is also a known factor that contributes to the development of dementia.
What are the Long-term Effects of Hearing Loss on Health?
Hearing loss might seem like just another part of getting older, or a simple irritant, but it has far-reaching effects that extend beyond difficulty in hearing. Here’s how hearing loss can affect people in different ways-
- Cognitive Decline- People with hearing loss experience a higher risk of cognitive disorders, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Mental Health Issues- Chronic hearing loss often leads to depression, anxiety, and feelings of social isolation.
- Physical Health Risks- There is an increased risk of personal safety as those with hearing loss may not hear alarms, traffic signals, or other important cues.
- Communication Difficulties- Everyday interactions become challenging, potentially affecting personal and professional relationships.
- Overall Quality of Life- Reduction in mobility, independence, and social activities due to the fear of misunderstanding and miscommunication.
Does Earwax Build-up Lead to Hearing Loss?
While earwax protects our ears against dirt, bacteria, and other foreign particles, excessive earwax build-up can block the ear canal and lead to hearing loss. Safe removal of earwax is essential to prevent this accumulation and maintain clear hearing pathways. It is important to get your earwax removed correctly to avoid further complications such as ear infection or damage to the ear canal.
Visit Village Pharmacy for Earwax Removal Through Ear Microsuction
It’s crucial to treat hearing loss with the seriousness it deserves and prevent it through frequent ear examinations and earwax removal.
Ensure your auditory health by getting your earwax removed by our professionals. Book an appointment with us for excessive earwax removal through ear microsuction.
