Have you ever avoided going to the doctor because you thought something wasn't serious enough or you didn't want to bother anyone? Or are you living with a health issue now that could do with treatment, but you're unsure?

Nearly 44% of Americans are skipping doctor visits as they did not deem their issue serious enough or felt it warranted further treatment. There's no denying that a massive chunk of the population is living with medical concerns that could potentially be treated. This post will look at some common medical issues people avoid going to the doctor for.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the presence of a constant or near-concentrated noise in your ears that only you can hear. The sound can sometimes be ringing, buzzing, whistling, or even music. While tinnitus is not a condition in itself, more a symptom of something else going on, that doesn't mean you shouldn't seek tinnitus treatment. Tinnitus is not curable, but there are things you can do to lessen the effect it has on your life and give you some peace and quiet.

Tiredness/Lethargy

We all get tired every now and again; however, if you're experiencing abnormal levels of exhaustion or find you can't make it through the day without a nap, this can warrant further investigation. You might suddenly feel more tired than usual for many reasons. From low iron levels to sleep disturbances or thyroid conditions, if you find you are experiencing more exhaustion, talk to your doctor to get to the bottom of things.

Hearing Changes

Over 70% of the US population has some level of hearing loss, yet not even half of this number are seeking treatment to help rectify this issue. Hearing loss can be caused by many different factors and can come in varying levels of loss. From temporary loss due to earwax buildup or an ear infection to more permanent hearing loss caused by an accident or exposure to loud noises, if you notice even the slightest change in your hearing, you should book an appointment with an audiologist for a hearing test. This can determine the type of hearing loss you might have and the best treatment plan going forward.

Changes in Bowel Habits

Your bowel habits are unique to you, and there isn't one set way or normal. Your diet, lifestyle, and overall health will determine what is normal for you. However, knowing the types of changes to look out for can help you to identify if something is amiss in your bowels. Persistent changes to your usual habits, changes in frequency, color, consistency, and even smell need to be investigated as soon as possible. 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetimes, and the sooner they are caught, the better the prognosis will be.

While these four are some of the more overlooked health conditions people avoid seeing their doctors for, any changes to your health, either persistent or recurring, should be investigated. While this can prove to be nothing serious in many cases, you can get the proper treatment for your needs to help you live a happier and healthier life.

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