Hearing loss affects millions of people around the world without their knowledge. This is because it starts gradually and then it escalates. It’s not surprising that data shows that over 466 million worldwide have hearing loss. Most family and friends who have relatives experiencing hearing loss sometimes are not well-versed in hearing loss. It is, however, important to separate your facts from the fiction you have believed all this while.
This will help you clear your mind about some common myths concerning hearing loss. This article will help you to demystify four misunderstandings and misconceptions about hearing loss.
1. Only the Elderly Experience Hearing Loss
This myth is considered the most widely believed myth concerning hearing loss. While aging could be considered a factor in experiencing hearing loss, many other factors can cause a person to acquire hearing loss. Factors such as loud noise, one’s genetic makeup, medications, and illnesses can cause you to experience hearing loss. Studies over the years have shown that 1 in 5 teenagers experience some form of hearing loss, while statistics have also revealed that hearing loss for children is even higher.
Therefore, it is important to note that hearing loss can affect anyone regardless of age. That said, hearing loss among the elderly is easily noticed when a person is 60 or older. However, one can experience hearing loss earlier. Age-related hearing loss occurs mostly due to the weakening of the human body, so keep this in mind.
2. Hearing Aids Will Make Everything Sound Too Loud
Most people who experience hearing loss believe that hearing aids make everything sound too loud. This makes them perceive that these hearing aids are uncomfortable and not the same as listening with your ears. There’s good news if you are in such a position. Technology has made things much easier by regulating your hearing aid. Your Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) will also assist you with any issue with your hearing aid. So, yes, it’s just a misconception. Pick up your hearing aid without any worries or dilemmas.
3. Everyone with Hearing Loss Must Learn Sign Language
Often, it is believed that people who experience hearing loss understand and are familiar with sign language and the reading of lips. The problem is that others tend to forget that people with hearing loss do not understand and use sign language, especially if they experience it later in life. The deaf community mostly uses sign language, so keep this in mind. People who experience hearing loss later in life may not have the luxury of learning sign language. This will mean that their entire lifestyle will change, and they will not have the luxury of time to even learn the language.
One thing about sign language is that you may not have the opportunity to practice it with people around you. Remember that most homes barely use sign language. Inconsistency with the language might cause you to forget what you have learned. This also applies to the reading of lips. People experiencing hearing loss may also find it very difficult to read the lips of others because they are not accustomed to such a lifestyle.
Even if they try, it becomes challenging for them as the person speaking may move at an unfamiliar pace, may not be fully facing them or are in a dimly lit environment. As a result, most people who experience hearing loss decide to seek assistance from technology to feel a part of the hearing world.
4. Hearing Loss Isn’t That Bad
A common misconception regarding hearing loss is that it isn’t a severe enough problem to necessitate immediate treatment. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Hearing loss can have an extensive impact on your overall wellbeing, ranging from mental and physical health issues to negative ramifications on your personal relationships.
Untreated hearing loss is associated with a higher risk of falls, cognitive decline, social isolation and depression. Additionally, struggling to keep up in conversations because you can’t hear can cause you to become disconnected from your friends, family and even coworkers. Luckily, treating hearing loss with the assistance of hearing aids can help you stave off these various issues and can help reduce cognitive decline, as well.
Contact Us Today
You must know that even though hearing aids may not allow you to hear perfectly, the technology that comes with them will help improve your hearing and speech comprehension. For further clarifications on any other myths surrounding hearing loss, contact Byron’s Hudson Valley Hearing Aid Centers. Contact us at 845-481-9267, 845-232-2147, and 845-481-9266 to learn more.
