Hearing loss is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about hearing loss that can prevent individuals from seeking help or understanding the condition. In this blog post, we will explore 10 common misconceptions about hearing loss and provide accurate information to help individuals better understand the condition.
- Hearing loss only affects older people. While age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is common, hearing loss can affect people of all ages, including children. In fact, there are 34 million children worldwide affected by deafness or hearing loss, with 60% of these cases attributed to preventable causes although the prevalence does increase with age.
- Hearing loss only affects the ears. Hearing loss can have a significant impact on an individual’s overall health and wellbeing, including social isolation, depression, and cognitive decline. This is because hearing loss can make it difficult to communicate with others, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Hearing loss can also contribute to depression and cognitive decline, as it can make it difficult to participate in activities and engage with the world around you.
- Hearing loss is always caused by ageing. While age is a risk factor for hearing loss, there are many other causes, including noise exposure, genetics, infections, medications, and head injuries. Noise exposure is one of the leading causes of hearing loss, and it can occur from exposure to loud noises at work, in the home, or in recreational activities. Genetics can also play a role in hearing loss, and some people are simply more likely to develop hearing loss than others.
During my clinical work, I came across several instances where professional musicians, who had been exposed to loud sounds for over a decade, showed hardly any hearing issues. Yet, on the other hand, I encountered young individuals who developed permanent tinnitus after attending just one loud concert. Hence, you can never be entirely certain until hearing difficulties start showing up. Unfortunately, in most cases, by the time you realise you have noise induced hearing loss, it’s too late to reverse the damage. - Hearing aids are only for people with severe hearing loss. Hearing aids can be beneficial for individuals with all degrees of hearing loss, from mild to profound. It might seem surprising, but even people with mild hearing loss can benefit from hearing aids, as they can help to improve speech understanding and reduce the effort required to listen. This is especially important to keep in mind when assessing hearing in children.
- Hearing aids will make everything sound too loud. In some cases, hearing aids might initially seem too loud, especially when the hearing system isn’t accustomed to the amplified sounds or when the aids are not worn regularly enough to acclimate to the new auditory input.
Yes, it’s crucial to be realistic with your expectations of what hearing aids can achieve. However, it’s worth noting that hearing aids continuously undergo significant advancements, offering functionalities that were once mere dreams for many with hearing loss. For instance, they now strive to reduce background noise and enhance speech comprehension in challenging situations. Modern hearing aids are designed to provide personalised amplification, tailored to an individual’s specific hearing loss and preferences, thereby aiming for the most comfortable auditory experience possible. - Hearing aids will make me look old or weak. Hearing aids are a common and often necessary device for many people, and should not be seen as a sign of weakness or age. In fact, many people who wear hearing aids report that they feel more confident and connected after they start using them! Moreover, modern hearing aids offer an array of impressive design solutions and functionalities (like hearing translations directly into your ear while traveling in a foreign country – yay!), making them something to be celebrated rather than be embarrassed about!
- Hearing loss can be cured with medication or surgery. While some causes of hearing loss, such as infections or blockages, may be treatable with medication or surgery, most cases of hearing loss are permanent and require management with hearing aids or other hearing assistive devices. Sensorineural hearing loss, the most common type, results from damage to the inner ear’s hair cells or auditory nerve and typically requires management through hearing aids or cochlear implants.
However, there are some promising new treatments for hearing loss in development, and it is possible that a cure for hearing loss may be found in the future. While I personally do not foresee it happening in the near future, it is undoubtedly an area where scientists are putting in significant efforts! - Hearing loss only affects speech understanding. Hearing loss can also affect the ability to understand and process other sounds, such as music, environmental sounds, and alarms. This can make it difficult to participate in activities and engage with the world around you. Take a moment to consider the variety of sounds surrounding you, each playing a crucial role in daily living or simply bringing you joy.
- Hearing loss is not a serious medical condition. Hearing loss is a medical condition that can have significant impacts on an individual’s physical and mental health. In 2019, age-related and other types of hearing loss ranked as the third biggest cause of global years lived with disability (YLDs) and was the main cause of YLDs for people over 70 years old.
The inability to hear clearly can be frustrating, and lead to stress and reduced cognitive function. Additionally, untreated hearing loss has been linked to an increased risk of dementia and cognitive decline in older adults. - It’s too late to do anything about my hearing loss. Even if you have lived with untreated hearing loss for many years, it is never too late to seek help and improve your hearing and quality of life. With proper management and care, individuals with hearing loss can improve their quality of life and continue to engage in the activities they love. Hearing aids and other assistive devices can make a remarkable difference!
By dispelling common misconceptions about hearing loss, I hope to help individuals better understand the condition and seek appropriate treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing hearing loss, it is important to seek help from a qualified audiologist or hearing healthcare provider. With proper management and care, individuals with hearing loss can improve their quality of life and continue to engage in the activities they love.
FAQs about hearing loss:
- What are the early signs of hearing loss? Early signs of hearing loss include frequently asking others to repeat themselves, struggling to hear in noisy environments, and turning up the volume on electronic devices.
- Is hearing loss hereditary? Yes, genetics can play a significant role in hearing loss. If there is a family history of hearing impairment, individuals may have a higher risk of developing hearing loss.
- Can noise-canceling headphones cause hearing loss? Noise-canceling headphones, when used responsibly at moderate volumes, are generally safe. However, listening to music at high volumes for extended periods can potentially contribute to hearing damage.
- Are there lifestyle changes that can prevent hearing loss? Yes, there are several lifestyle changes that can help protect your hearing. These include avoiding exposure to loud noises, wearing ear protection in noisy environments, and maintaining overall ear health.
- Can hearing loss impact cognitive abilities? Yes, untreated hearing loss has been linked to cognitive decline and an increased risk of conditions like dementia. Addressing hearing loss early may help maintain cognitive function as you age.