Did you know 1 in 5 people have some degree of hearing loss? Though hearing loss is pervasive, impacting over 48 million people, it is often underrecognized. There are numerous myths about hearing loss, which contribute to a delay in hearing loss treatment. Deconstructing a few of the most common myths can increase your understanding of hearing loss, encouraging you to prioritize your hearing health and wellness.
Myth: hearing loss is not that common.
Fact: hearing loss is the third most common health condition people live with today. Nearly 1 in every 5 people have some degree of hearing loss. The prevalence of hearing loss is twice as common as diabetes or cancer. Also, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders: 1 in 3 adults, ages 65-74, have hearing loss. This increases to 1 in 2 adults for people 75 and older who have disabling hearing loss.These statistics highlight that hearing loss is extremely common.
Myth: hearing loss only impacts older adults.
Fact: while aging is one cause of hearing loss, there are other causes that impact people of all ages. This includes loud noise exposure and head injuries which affects teens and young adults. The following data highlights the scope of age range that is impacted by hearing loss:
- 40 million adults, ages 20-60, have noise induced hearing loss.
- 3 of every 1,000 children in the U.S. are born with detectable hearing loss in one or both ears.
- 15% of children and young teens, ages 6-19, have some degree of hearing loss.
- Nearly 20% of teenagers have a detectable hearing loss.
Additionally, the World Health Organization estimates that over 1 billion people, ages 12-35, are at high risk of developing noise induced hearing loss.
Myth: I can hear so I don’t have hearing loss.
Fact: another common misconception about hearing loss is that if you can hear then your hearing is not impaired. But hearing loss exists on a spectrum, from mild to profound. So you may experience milder forms of hearing loss without being necessarily aware of it because you’ve adjusted. There are likely sounds like birds chirping, cars passing by, the hum of kitchen appliances etc. that you may not hear. This indicates more mild degrees of hearing loss but if this remains untreated, it can worsen. Intervening in this stage of hearing loss is important because treatment helps protect the hearing that you do have.
Myth: hearing loss can be cured.
Fact: the most common type of hearing loss is sensorineural hearing loss which is permanent. Sensorineural hearing loss accounts for 9 out of 10 cases of hearing loss that people experience today. This type of hearing loss occurs in the inner ear when sensory cells are damaged. There are thousands of sensory cells in the inner ear which play a major role in how sound is processed. These cells convert incoming soundwaves into electrical signals which get carried to the brain to be processed. The brain then assigns meaning to these signals, allowing us to understand what we hear. When these cells become damaged, their capacity to effectively process soundwaves is impaired. This results in the rain receiving less auditory information, causing hearing loss. Unlike other types of cells we have, sensory cells in the inner ear do not regenerate and there are no ways to repair damage they experience. This produces permanent hearing loss that can only be treated but not cured.
Myth: hearing loss is not a serious health condition.
Fact: untreated hearing loss can take a significant toll on everyday life. Hearing loss reduces capacity to hear and process speech as well as sound. This strains hearing and communication which are essential ways we navigate everyday life. Symptoms can affect relationships, social life, work, and overall health. Extensive research shows that untreated hearing loss can increase several health risks including cognitive decline, falls, depressive symptoms, and accidental injuries.
Prioritize Your Hearing Health Today
The facts of hearing loss highlight the importance of prioritizing hearing health and treating hearing loss. Treatment can transform your hearing health and quality of life. The first step is to have your hearing health evaluated by a hearing healthcare specialist. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a hearing consultation!