The 7 Myths About Hearing Loss

Many people tend to ignore or deny that they have an issue with their health. This is especially true when it comes to hearing. Hearing loss occurs gradually and may be undetected when it initially begins.

Most individuals have a high chance of having some range of hearing loss, and being young is not exemption. Here are some myths about hearing loss:

  Myth #1: Only elderly adults suffer from hearing loss. 

Fact: Any individual of any age can have hearing loss.

• Approximately 48 million people living in the U.S. have some range of hearing loss. Nearly two-thirds of those individuals are less than 65 years old.
• About 50 million people in the U.S. are affected by tinnitus (a ringing sensation in the ears).
• Hearing loss that is caused by being exposed to noise affects people of all ages. It culminates gradually, and is permanent. 

    
  Myth #2: There is no prevention of hearing loss and it is unavoidable with age. 

Fact: Although not all hearing loss can be avoided, most types of hearing loss can be prevented with changes in your lifestyle.    

• A culmination of exposure to noise is one of the main causes of permanent hearing loss. About 15 percent of Americans ranging between 20-69 years of age, suffer from hearing loss because of exposure to noises at the workplace or during leisure activities, and 24 percent of hearing loss is caused by being exposed to noises in the workplace.
• Refrain from being exposed to loud noises and wear hearing protection when you are unable to avoid loud noises.   
• Diabetes, heart disease, and smoking may cause loss of hearing. Refraining from smoking and changes to your diet, could help prevent hearing loss. 

 
  Myth #3: Infants and children do not need a hearing test.

Fact: All infants and children regularly need a hearing test.

• Every baby should get a hearing check up.  Approximately five out of 1000 newborn babies are affected by hearing loss.
• About three million American children suffer from a form of hearing loss - 1.3 million of these children are under three years of age.  
• More than 90 percent of children who are deaf are born to parents with normal hearing. Early detection of deafness is necessary to help these children establish the proper communication skills at the same pace as children with healthy hearing.  

 
  Myth #4: Some people believe they can hear fine, and do not think they have hearing          loss.  Therefore, they do not believe that they need hearing aids.

Facts: Hearing loss happens gradually, and can be difficult to recognize. Typically, family members will recognize your hearing loss before you do.

• Ask yourself whether you need family or friends to repeat themselves. Do you have difficulty hearing while on the job? Do people regularly ask you to turn the volume down on your T.V. set or your music?   
• About 15 million Americans refrain from getting help for their hearing loss, even though hearing aids can greatly improve your hearing.
• Your hearing becomes progressively worse over time, and hearing aids will only be beneficial if you still have hearing abilities that can be salvaged. Waiting too long to get treatment for your hearing can lower your success rate for better hearing.    
• Postponing treatment makes it more difficult to adjust to hearing aids in the future. 

  Myth #5: Hearing aids are just like contact lenses or eyeglasses, and will correct your        hearing loss.
    
Facts: Contact lenses and eyeglasses immediately correct your vision to 20/20. Hearing aids do not correct your hearing in the same manner. Your brain needs time to adapt to the sounds coming in contact with the hearing aid device, rather than the ear.    

• Hearing aids do not completely restore your hearing back to the way it was.
• Unlike eyeglasses, which do not involve training in order to use, hearing aids may require auditory training in order to assist the brain with processing sounds.
• Hearing aids typically require repeated visits to your hearing instrument specialist, who will program the devices to meet the individual needs of the patient.     

      
  Myth #6: There is only one type of hearing loss, and it affects both ears in the same          way.

Facts: There are three primary types of hearing loss subtypes. These include: conductive, mixed, and sensorineural. A fourth type that is more rare is known as auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder. Hearing loss can affect each ear in a different way.   

• The type of hearing loss that you suffer from is contingent on which section or sections of your ear are impaired. Your left and right ears have different functions, so the extent of hearing loss will vary from each ear. 
• The most prevalent type of hearing loss is sensorineural hearing loss. This type of hearing loss damages the ear and cannot be repaired, therefore it causes permanent hearing loss. For some, this type of hearing loss can be treated with hearing aids.
• Hearing loss is a different experience for everyone who suffers from it. Many things can influence it. This may include your age, lifestyle, diseases, genetics, your occupation, noise exposure, etc.

 
  Myth #7:  Hearing loss will not harm your overall health

Fact: Hearing loss is associated with cognitive decline, which can effect on your overall  health. 
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• Dementia, depression, dizziness, falls, issues with performing at your job, social isolation, etc. can occur due to hearing loss. 
• Using hearing aids to treat your hearing loss, can help you avoid or in some cases reverse some of the health problems that are caused by hearing loss. 
• Getting treatment for hearing loss in its early stages gives you a better chance to improve your hearing, thus improving issues that are related to the conditions.  ​

If you, or a loved one, are experiencing changes in your hearing abilities, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation from one of our hearing instrument specialists.            

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