Though there have been significant innovations in hearing healthcare, there are still many myths about hearing loss. Misconceptions about hearing loss often contribute to a delay in treatment. It takes an average of 7 years for people to address symptoms and only a third of people who could benefit from treatment actually receive it. Untreated hearing loss can have significant and far reaching effects on everyday life – straining communication, relationships, social engagement, and increasing health risks. Deconstructing common myths about hearing loss increases awareness and underscores the importance of seeking treatment.
- Hearing loss isn’t too common. Hearing loss is actually the third most common chronic medical condition people experience today. According to the National Institute on Deafness & Other Communication Disorders:
- 48 million people live with hearing loss.
- An estimated 20% of the United States experience some degree of impaired hearing.
- Nearly 1 in 6 people have hearing loss.
This data highlights how pervasive hearing loss is. It is likely that you or someone you
know has some degree of hearing loss.
- Only aging adults experience hearing loss. A common myth about hearing loss is that only older adults experience it. Many people think hearing loss is only a thing among the elderly. While it is true that aging is one cause of hearing loss, there are other causes that impact people of all ages. This includes loud noise exposure, head injuries, and existing medical conditions. In fact, two-thirds of those with hearing loss are younger than age 64. Additionally, almost 15% of school-age children (ages 6-19) have some degree of hearing loss.
Also, kids and young adults are at high risk of developing hearing loss. The World Health
Organization (WHO) estimates that over 1 billion people, ages 12-35 are particularly
vulnerable to developing hearing loss caused by loud noise exposure.
- If you can hear, your hearing is fine. Another myth about hearing loss is that if you are still able to hear, then your hearing is fine. This often delays treatment and downplays the seriousness of hearing loss. It is important to know that hearing loss exists on a spectrum – from mild to profound. If your hearing loss is mild, you will likely still be able to hear and you could experience hearing challenges. You may notice that you struggle to hear in settings with background noise (like restaurants or social gatherings) or find yourself asking others to repeat themselves. Left untreated, these symptoms can worsen and impairment can also worsen. You may start with a mild form of hearing loss and this can exacerbate due to being left untreated and become more profound. This highlights the importance of intervening as early as possible. Treatment is designed to effectively address even the mildest forms of hearing loss.
- Hearing loss isn’t a big deal and can be treated later. It is common to minimize hearing loss and de-prioritize hearing health. But untreated symptoms can actually take a toll on everyday life and health in significant ways. Symptoms can make it tough to navigate communication – an essential way we move through daily life. This can affect relationships, work performance, social life, and your health. Extensive research shows that untreated hearing loss increases a number of health risks. This includes cognitive decline and associated conditions like Alzheimer’s, falls, accidental injuries, and depressive symptoms. Social withdrawal is a major effect of untreated hearing loss. This not only impacts relationships with loved ones, but also one’s mental health and wellness.
- Hearing loss is curable. Another myth that often delays treatment is thinking that hearing loss is curable and therefore can be dealt with later. Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss. This type occurs in the inner ear and is permanent, resulting in chronic hearing loss. While there are no cures, there are effective ways hearing loss is treated. This highlights the importance of intervening early and addressing symptoms so that your hearing health can be protected from further impairment.
Now that you have more information about hearing loss, you are more equipped to take action. The first step you can take to prioritize your hearing health is scheduling an appointment for a hearing test. Contact us today to make an appointment for a hearing consultation!