MYTH: “I’m not old enough to have a hearing problem.”
FACT: Hearing loss affects approximately 38 million Americans — or about 12% of the population. But only 35% of people with hearing loss are older than 64, according to the Better Hearing Institute (BHI). Nearly 6 million people between the ages of 18 and 44 are hearing-impaired, says the BHI. In addition, at least 1.4 million children (18 or younger) have hearing problems.
MYTH: “My type of hearing loss is not treatable.”
FACT: There are two types of hearing loss: conductive and sensorineural. The most common type is sensorineural, which is caused by damage to the nerve endings in the inner ear or hearing nerve. The good news is, nearly 95% of people with a sensorineural hearing loss can be helped with hearing aids.
MYTH: “I can get by just fine without hearing aids.”
FACT: Untreated hearing loss comes with significant consequences — even if you think your hearing loss is just “mild.” In fact, studies have linked untreated hearing loss with social isolation, as well as with an increased risk for depression, dementia, falling and illness requiring hospitalization. Other studies have connected untreated hearing loss with lower earning power in the workplace.
MYTH: “There’s nothing I can do to prevent hearing loss.”
FACT: You may be surprised to know that exposure to noise — not the aging process — is the number-one cause of hearing loss. It’s also the most preventable cause, but only if you use earplugs or other hearing protection products. We advise you to wear hearing protection anytime you’re exposed to noise at or above 85 decibels. Common sources of damaging noise include lawn mowers and other power equipment, MP3 players, guns, fireworks, motorcycles, ATVs, sporting events and concerts.
