Hearing Loss Facts & Fictions

Right now, more than 37 million people in the United States live with hearing loss. 

Because of strong advocacy and education efforts in the last few decades, we’re living in a time of increased awareness around hearing loss. As our population ages, this condition will continue to impact millions of Americans. 

Now, more than ever, it’s important to separate stereotypes from reality, so that we can further reduce the stigma of hearing loss. Settle in for a few popular hearing loss facts and fictions.

Hearing Loss Happens With Age

Fact: It’s true that age is the greatest predictor of hearing loss. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that the most hearing loss occurs in those aged 60 to 69 years of age. 

However, just because hearing loss is more likely to occur to older people doesn’t mean it has to be something you live with. Consulting with an audiologist and receiving a hearing exam is the first step to investigating treatment options. 

There’s Nothing I Can Do About Age-Related Hearing Loss

Fiction: Many people with age-related hearing loss have chosen proven and successful interventions like hearing aids or cochlear implants. And, most hearing aid wearers would recommend them to a friend with hearing loss. 

There are also well established communication strategies you can adopt that make living with hearing loss easier. Beyond a trusted audiologist, other people with hearing loss are a great source of information and support. Hearing loss support groups can be found both online and in your area, which provide a wealth of tried and true tips and tricks for living vibrantly with hearing loss.

It’s Just My Hearing 

Fiction: Hearing loss is a condition that is most straightforwardly impacting your hearing health, but it also permeates overall health. For instance, hearing loss can bring bouts of depression and a sense of isolation. Untreated hearing loss is proven to impact mobility and overall physical health. What’s more, cognitive health is closely linked with hearing health. Even cases of mild hearing loss doubles the risk of a future dementia diagnosis while moderate and severe hearing loss exponentially increase the risk.

Most People Don’t Use Hearing Aids

Fact: Only about one-third of people that could benefit from hearing aids wear them. Unfortunately, hearing loss remains a condition that people tend to leave unacknowledged and untreated. There are a number of obstacles people cite between recognizing their hearing health is suffering and seeking treatment. These causes range from cost to confusion about how to obtain hearing health care. 

If you notice changes in your hearing health, seek out an audiologist you trust and make an appointment. There are a number of different ways that your hearing health can be improved, sometimes with financial assistance from federal and state programs, and it all starts with a hearing exam.

There Isn’t Any Way To Prevent Hearing Loss

Fiction: While we can’t stop the aging process, we can prioritize hearing health so that we can maintain the best hearing possible for as long as possible. In addition to aging, exposure to excessive noise is a major cause of the hearing loss that can occur later in life. In many cases, this noise-induced hearing loss happens so slowly and over time, so much that it isn’t noticeable in the moment. 

As of today, you have the opportunity to modify your listening habits and take steps to protect your hearing in noisy environments. Start by getting a baseline reading of your current hearing health and schedule a hearing consultation. In our conversations, we’ll be able to suggest easy steps to take to preserve the hearing you currently have. 

I’ll Treat My Hearing Loss When It Gets Bad Enough

Fact & Fiction: In a 2021 survey, researchers found that 73 percent of people reported that they would seek a hearing exam if their hearing health changed. However, in that same survey, only around 20 percent of respondents had a hearing exam within the past five years at the same time that half of the respondents reported hearing trouble. 

If that doesn’t add up, you’re right! While a majority of Americans recognize the importance of hearing health and believe they would seek treatment, when push comes to shove, we are a nation that avoids acknowledging hearing loss. The average person waits about a decade before choosing to treat the condition. 

By intervening in hearing loss as early as possible, we are better able to retain the function of our brain’s processing centers. Said another way, adapting to hearing aids with mild hearing loss is easier than trying to intervene at a more severe stage. 

Don’t Wait, Schedule A Hearing Consultation

The best time to begin prioritizing your hearing health is today. Our team will lead you through the hearing exam process and we’ll thoroughly explain your results to you, including a presentation of viable solutions. Together, we’ll find your healthiest hearing available.