Fact: hearing loss is the third most common medical condition in the United States. But how much do you know about it? Is it something that we don’t need to think about until we’re older? Is it just an annoyance that we can deal with as we age?  So many questions! Well, here we address a few common misconceptions about hearing loss, discerning between fact and fiction on this common medical condition.

Fiction: Hearing loss does not affect young people.

Fact: Hearing loss may be experienced by anyone, at any age. In fact, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 20 percent of people in their 20s are already experiencing some degree of hearing loss.  There are different causes for hearing loss, from exposure to loud noises over extended periods of time to a natural process of aging. While in the case of presbycusis (age-related hearing loss), age certainly does play a factor, noise-induced hearing loss could be experienced by people young or old.

Indeed, among older people there are higher rates of hearing loss – one in three people age 65 and older, and 50% of people age 85 and older – but it’s important to keep in mind that the rate of hearing loss is rising in younger people as well. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 1.1 billion young people world-wide are at risk for permanent hearing loss. Put another way, as Dr. Mandy Weinzierl from Indiana University says: “We start losing our hearing as soon as we’re born. It happens so slowly that it doesn’t interfere with communication, but it is inevitable that we’ll lose some of our hearing. Unfortunately, you can’t undo the damage caused by noise. Once it happens, it’s permanent.”

Fiction: I am not exposed to enough loud noises to be at risk for noise-induced hearing loss.

Fact: While we all have different lifestyles, one thing is certain: we can never be sure exactly the amount of noise we’re exposed to on a regular basis. Aside from the ubiquity of earbuds and personal electronic devices that are portable, there’s workplace noise – any workplace.

People work in environments that obviously expose them to loud noise – construction, airfield operator, manufacturing in a factory – usually have mandated hearing protection provided by their employers. But people who work in restaurants or bars, hair stylists at salons, or dentists and dental assistants are all exposed to dangerous decibels without necessarily thinking about it. If you use public transportation, the sounds of the train coming into the station is quite loud and adds up over time in exposure. Similarly, if you ride a motorcycle or you mow the lawn weekly, this exposure to loud motorized engine sounds could do damage over time. Here’s what you’ve got to keep in mind: your sense of hearing is always on. Think about it: you wake up to the sound of an alarm clock, even when all of your other senses are disengaged. Even more, your sense of hearing picks up sound in your environment as a way to help localize you and keep you safe. It’s important to protect your hearing. With sounds at 85 decibels, limit your exposure to no more than 8 hours a day. If you have to raise your voice to speak to someone about arm’s length away, your noise environment is too loud. Consider the use of ear plugs, or even better, custom ear protection made from molds of your ears. These help you filter out the dangerously loud sounds while still ensuring you’re connected to the sounds around you.

Fiction: I can just deal with hearing loss and figure out a way to live with it.

Fact: Well, here’s the thing. Sure, you could leave hearing loss untreated, but the reality is not pleasant.

Hearing loss has far-reaching, negative consequences if left untreated. Studies have shown that people with untreated hearing loss earn less than their colleagues with normal hearing and their colleagues who treat hearing loss with hearing aids. Other studies have indicated that people with untreated hearing loss experience falls, accidents, and hospitalizations at a higher rate than people with hearing loss who use hearing aids. Furthermore, the isolation that comes from untreated hearing loss – especially when it worsens to the point where you can’t “fake it” can be detrimental. As social animals, our connections with our friends and loved ones are important to our social life and emotional well-being. With untreated hearing loss, the breakdown in communication and the avoidance of interaction could damage your interpersonal relationships and self-confidence. Untreated hearing loss has been linked to increased risk for depression, anxiety, stress, and social isolation. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have also found potential links between untreated hearing loss and dementia, linked to diminished cognitive abilities when you struggle to make sense of sound.

Fiction: There is no treatment for hearing loss.

Fact: There is treatment for hearing loss, and over the past few years, hearing aid technology has become smart and sophisticated. So, while there is no cure for hearing loss, there is much available in terms of treatment.

The first step is to schedule a hearing test with us at Orange County Physicians’ Hearing Services. If a hearing loss is detected, our team will recommend the best treatment for your configuration and degree of hearing loss. To schedule an appointment, contact us at Orange County Physicians’ Hearing Services today.