Do you suspect that you or someone close to you has hearing loss? If so, it’s likely you have many questions. There have been many widely held misconceptions around hearing loss that in part have made people less likely to take the condition as seriously as it actually is. Still this condition is pervasive, meaning that it’s likely that it’s likely it’s already affecting you or someone close to you. There are 48 million people in the US alone who are affected- 466 million worldwide- a number which is projected to more than double to 900 million by 2050, due to misconceptions and inaction around the condition. One strategy to fight the spread of hearing loss is education. By separating facts from fictions, we can better understand hearing loss and know how to prevent it and treat it.
Fiction: Hearing loss only happens to older adults
Fact: While hearing loss affects one in three over 65 and half of those 75 and older, it can happen to anyone at any time. This includes infants born with the condition, teenagers who have been exposed to elements which damages the inner ear or those in their 30’s and 40’s for various reasons. One of the most common issues causing hearing loss in younger generations is the use of headphones and earbuds which have the capacity to unassumingly deliver sounds loud enough to damage hearing in under 15 minuets, for hours at a time.
Fiction: I can get along just fine without hearing aids.
Fact: It’s common to think that it is no big issue, when you struggle to hear the people in your life. However, it can stress your relationships throughout your life, in various ways. At work, miscommunications can build up into a pattern of making mistakes. Communication is important in a workplace not only to keep things running smoothly but to maintain safety for everyone as well. You may miss verbal warnings or sounds, reducing your reaction time and putting you and co-workers at risk for accidents. At home it can affect your personal relationships with friends, family and even your significant other. Couple in which one person has hearing loss, often report feelings of loneliness even when side by side with their partner. This is because communication creates intimacy. The important thing to remember is that if you are struggling from communication issues and you suspect it may be related to hearing loss, that seeking treatment in the form of hearing aids can help rebuild relationships and help you feel more connected to the people and the life you love.
Fiction: Hearing aids don’t really help that much
Fact: Hearing aids of the past had a reputation to be prone to feedback and buzzing. Today’s hearing aids have come quite a long way. Now primarily digital, you can rely on a strong feedback free signal delivered to your inner ear with clarity. Based on your hearing exam, digital hearing aids make it easier for us to perfect your hearing aid program, giving you a very natural hearing experience. Not only has the amplification improved, but so has the features to enhance your experience. This includes Bluetooth connectivity with your phone, TV and stereo, directional microphones to help you follow conversations with greater ease in noisy rooms, background noise suppression, water resistance, rechargeable batteries, and T-coil capabilities to help you hear in public settings such as theaters, auditoriums, churches and public transit centers.
Fiction: Hearing aids are too inconvenient and expensive for me.
Fact: people are often put off by the high price point of hearing aids, especially as you add features which increase usability and ease of listening. However, the impact of untreated hearing loss can have a much greater effect on your earnings, making hearing aids a sound investment. The Better Hearing Institute reports that those with untreated hearing loss stand to risk $30,000 annually when compared to those with normal hearing or those who use hearing aids. When you compare this with the price of premium hearing aids, it’s a wise investment to find out more.
We are Here to Help
If you feel you are struggling with hearing loss and it’s affecting your life, we are here to answer all your questions. Schedule a hearing exam with us today.