Hearing loss can have a profound impact on an individual’s quality of life, affecting not only their ability to communicate but also their social, emotional, and cognitive well-being. When people struggle to hear, they may find it challenging to engage in conversations, leading to social isolation and a sense of loneliness. This can result in decrease in self-esteem and increased risk of mental health issues like depression and anxiety or dimensia.  

Cognitively, hearing loss is linked to a decline in mental sharpness. Straining to hear and understand speech can exhaust the brain, leading to fatigue and impairing cognitive functions such as memory and attention. Studies have also shown that untreated hearing loss is associated with a higher risk of developing dementia.  

In the workplace, hearing loss can lead to reduce productivity and job performance. Communication breakdowns may cause misunderstandings and errors, impacting professional relationships and opportunities.  

Moreover, hearing loss can strain personal relationships, as partners and family members may feel frustrated or burdened by the need to constantly repeat themselves or accommodate the hearing-impaired individual. Addressing hearing loss through proper diagnosis and treatment, such as hearing aids or cochlear implants, is crucial to mitigating these negative effects and improving overall well-being.   

Chin Poh Ling, Customer Care Representative at 20dB Hearing Kuching