Get the Facts to Take Control of Your Health
Hearing loss affects over 1.5 billion people worldwide, but only a fraction get needed help. Factors such as stigma, denial, and the misconception that it’s just a minor issue can prevent people from taking action. Additionally, perceived high costs of treatment and difficulty recognizing hearing loss in the first place contribute to delays in accessing professional care.
Myths surrounding hearing loss and treatment also drive barriers to timely intervention. That’s why we’re debunking some common misconceptions to help you take control of your hearing health. Whether you’re personally experiencing hearing loss or noticing signs in a loved one, read on for empowering information to make informed decisions and improve your quality of life.
Myth 1: Hearing Loss Is Just an Inevitable Part of Getting Older
Many think hearing loss is simply an unavoidable part of aging. Though age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is common, it’s not something everyone will experience or should accept as a given. Many factors contribute to hearing loss, including genetics, noise exposure, injury, and even some medications, but not all older adults will experience the condition to a significant degree.
In fact, with the right precautions — such as protecting your ears from loud noises, keeping foreign objects out of the ears, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and addressing potential hearing issues early — it’s possible to preserve your hearing well into later life. Regular hearing checkups play a big role, so be sure to schedule them at least annually.
MYTH 2: Young People Don’t Have Hearing Loss
Contrary to misconceptions, hearing loss can affect people at all ages and stages of life. In the U.S. alone, nearly 2 in every 1,000 babies screened for hearing loss is confirmed to have the condition. Globally, public-health officials estimate that 34 million children are living with hearing disorders, and that number’s expected to rise.
One primary cause of hearing loss in younger people is exposure to loud noise, which can irreversibly damage critical hair cells in the inner ear. Nearly 13% of U.S. youth ages 6 to 19 have permanent noise-induced hearing loss. Worldwide, unsafe listening habits are putting more than a billion young adults at risk of permanent hearing damage.
Hearing loss in younger people can also be due to genetic factors, infection, or certain medications. These issues can lead to gradual or sudden hearing difficulties, so it’s important to try to catch the signs early. Addressing issues quickly can prevent further problems and help young people stay confident and feel connected at home, school, work, and play.
MYTH 3: Hearing Loss Can’t Be Treated — There’s Nothing You Can Do About It
Some may believe that once hearing loss sets in, nothing can be done. While hearing loss is typically a chronic condition, it doesn’t mean all is lost. In most cases, treatment options such as professionally fit hearing aids can effectively manage the condition, helping improve communication, social engagement, and overall quality of life.
Quality hearing technology does more than amplify sound; it also helps your brain process sound for clearer communication. In some severe cases, cochlear implants may be an option. These devices bypass damaged parts of the inner ear to directly stimulate the auditory nerve, potentially providing significant improvement if hearing aids can’t fully address the hearing loss.
MYTH 4: If Hearing Loss Develops, You’ll Know
Hearing loss doesn’t always announce itself with a significantly noticeable change. It often occurs gradually, which is why it can be difficult to recognize. The small hair cells in your ear may deteriorate over time due to aging or exposure to loud noise. This gradual loss of hearing may go unnoticed at first, as it doesn’t typically lead to immediate or obvious changes in hearing.
In the early stages, speech may seem a little less clear, especially higher-pitched voices. Background noise in restaurants or crowded areas may begin to feel more overwhelming. You may also start turning up the TV volume, asking others to repeat themselves more frequently, or feel like everyone’s mumbling. The changes can be so gradual you don’t realize they’re happening.
It’s often those around you — family members, coworkers, friends — who might first notice that your hearing may be declining. Their experience of having to repeat themselves more often, adjusting their communication, or watching television with you at higher volumes than before can signal the need for a hearing test.
MYTH 5: Anyone With Hearing Loss Can Simply Read Lips
Many people assume that if someone has hearing loss, they can simply read lips. Lipreading can certainly aid in understanding speech — even if you don’t have hearing loss — but it’s not a universal solution. Not everyone reads lips or is skilled in the practice. Further, some sounds and letters look alike on the lips, and differing speech patterns can make interpreting difficult.
Generally, lipreading is most helpful as a complement to any residual hearing. However, it still helps to face people when speaking, allowing visual cues — lip movements, facial expressions, hand gestures, and other hints — to aid in the conversation.
MYTH 6: Talking Louder – That’s All It Takes
A common reflex when interacting with someone who has hearing loss is to raise your voice. But is this really the best way to communicate? Not necessarily. For many people with hearing loss, the issue isn’t simply about volume — it’s about clarity.
To illustrate, think of a car with a damaged speaker. You can turn the volume up all you want, but if the speaker is damaged, the sound will still be distorted. This is similar to how hearing loss works. The tiny hair cells in your inner ear are responsible for translating sound into nerve impulses that are sent to your brain. When these hair cells become damaged, your ability to hear clearly diminishes, even though the volume may be fine.
MYTH 7: Hearing Loss Is Only a Problem for Communication
While hearing loss certainly impacts communication, it has far-reaching effects on other aspects of life. Untreated hearing loss is associated with other serious issues including:
- Falls
- Social isolation
- Mortality
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Cardiovascular disease
- Cognitive decline/dementia
People with untreated hearing loss may withdraw from social situations, avoid conversations, and experience feelings of frustration and embarrassment. In addition, hearing loss can tax the brain, making it work harder to process sound, divert resources from other tasks, and fall out of practice in processing sound. This can contribute to cognitive decline.
Addressing hearing loss early on, with the help of treatment such as audiologic counseling and properly fit hearing aids, can potentially prevent these negative effects, boost your sense of confidence and independence, and improve overall well-being. It’s not just about hearing better — it’s about living a fuller, more connected life.
MYTH 8: Professional Hearing Care Is Too Expensive
Hearing aids and treatments may seem costly to some, but personalized solutions at various price points abound. At Worth Hearing Center, we offer financing options and affordable payment plans to help ensure you get the care you need. We also work with insurance providers, warranty our devices, and provide thorough follow-up care.
The long-term benefits of treating hearing loss far outweigh the initial cost. Addressing hearing issues early can improve quality of life, enhance communication, and potentially reduce the risk of other health complications. It’s an important investment in health, connections with loved ones, engagement in activities that matter in your life, and maintenance of overall well-being.
If you or a loved one is experiencing hearing loss, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction. By getting the facts and understanding common myths, you can take the necessary steps to address the issue and reclaim the sounds you treasure.
Don’t wait — learn more about your health by scheduling a comprehensive hearing test today.