Treating hearing loss is an integral part of staying healthy and connected to your family and your community. Unfortunately, many people with hearing loss delay or completely avoid getting treatment. While many factors play a part in this, one reason people don’t get the treatment they need is because of common misconceptions they believe about hearing loss.
More People Would Benefit from Hearing Aids
Research tells us that only a fraction of the millions of people who would benefit from hearing aids are currently using them. This is true in both younger and older populations.
One survey showed that among adults over 70, only 30% that should be using hearing aids actually were. That number dropped to 16% for adults between the ages of 20-69.
Four Misconceptions That Stop People from Treating Their Hearing Loss
- My hearing is fine; other people are mumbling. One of the first things hearing loss affects is our ability to process speech. However, changes can be subtle, and it can often sound like people are mumbling. This makes it easier to think the problem is other people and not your hearing. However, if you notice that you are frequently needing others to repeat themselves, that’s a sign you should get your hearing tested.
- Hearing loss is inevitable. Hearing loss does become more common with age. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take steps to protect your hearing health or that it’s not worth treating. Reducing your exposure to loud noise, staying physically active and eating a healthy diet can all help minimize your risk of hearing loss.
- It’s easy to know when you have hearing loss. Hearing loss is rarely sudden (and if it is, you should seek immediate medical treatment). The condition can slowly develop for years before you realize there is a problem. However, the earlier you get treated with hearing aids or other devices, the better your hearing health and overall health will be.
- Hearing aids aren’t worth the investment. If you don’t think hearing loss is a big deal, you might feel less compelled to spend time and money treating it. However, untreated hearing loss can lead to a host of other issues. It makes it harder to communicate with others, making social events like dinner at Green Pig Bistro more stressful. These communication struggles can also put a strain on your closest relationships. Additionally, untreated hearing loss has been linked with higher levels of anxiety and depression, balance issues and even a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
If you’ve been struggling with your hearing, take the first step towards better health and call the experts at ENT Specialists Of Northern Virginia today to schedule an appointment.