Here are the Top Five Hearing Loss Misconceptions
Misconception #1: Hearing loss only happens to the elderly
Reality: Hearing loss affects people of all ages. According to an article by AARP 40% of the 48 million Americans with hearing loss are under 60 years old. Close to 30% of those between the ages 50 and 59 suffer from some degree of impaired hearing in one or both ears; 45% of people between 60 and 69 have some degree of impaired hearing; and three-quarters of those older than 70 have declined hearing. A 2010 Journal of the American Medical Association study found that 1 in 5 US children ages 12 to 19 showed some sign of hearing loss in one or both ears. Hearing Health
Misconception #2: Hearing loss doesn’t affect the rest of my health.
Reality: Hearing loss has been connected to cognitive decline, dementia, falls, social isolation and depression. Researchers are now studying whether treating the hearing loss can reverse or even prevent some of these conditions. A 2015 French study examining population-based data spanning 25 years found that hearing aid use reduced hearing loss–associated cognitive decline. Hearing Health And a study in the journal Laryngoscope found that hearing aids can improve balance AARP.
Misconception #3: I only have trouble hearing in one ear
Reality: People who believe that they have one “good” ear actually have two “bad” ears. When one ear is slightly better than the other, we learn to favor that ear for normal daily conversations. It can give the illusion that “the better ear” is normal when it isn’t. Most types of hearing loss affect both ears equally. Better Hearing. Your brain relies on input from both of your ears to interpret the sounds you hear. Hearing loss in one ear can affect your ability to determine where sounds are coming from and makes it harder to understand speech in noise. It can even make it harder to do other things while you are listening to someone because single-sided deafness increases your overall cognitive load. Healthy Hearing
Misconception #4: My doctor would have told me if I had hearing loss
Reality: Only 14% of physicians routinely screen for hearing loss during a physical. Since most people with hearing impairments hear well in a quiet environment like a doctor’s office, it can be virtually impossible for your physician to recognize the extent of your problem. Without special training, and an understanding of the nature of hearing loss, it may be difficult for your doctor to even realize that you have a hearing problem. Better Hearing Your doctor relies on you to bring any health concerns to light so they can investigate and treat them. Hearing health professionals are specifically educated and trained to administer hearing tests, evaluate hearing loss and recommend treatment. Healthy Hearing
Misconception #5: Hearing loss is inevitable
Reality: Hearing loss has many causes including genetics, certain medications, and exposure to loud noises. Smoking and diabetes can also lead to hearing impairment. Many forms of hearing loss can be improved, whether it be by hearing aids, surgery, medication or a simple earwax removal procedure. Healthy Hearing In the past, many people with hearing loss in one ear, with a high frequency hearing loss, or with nerve damage have all been told they cannot be helped. With modern advances in technology, nearly 95% of people with a sensorineural hearing loss can be helped with hearing aids. Better Hearing
Take preventative measures into your own hands and invest in a set of quality hearing protectors. ESP’s custom fit inner ear hearing protection make sounds you need to hear louder and reduce unwanted background noise all the while being comfortable and waterproof.