There are a lot of misconceptions about hearing loss, and Audiology Awareness Month is the perfect time to set them straight. Let’s discuss three common hearing loss misconceptions you can correct this October.
Misconception: Hearing Loss Only Affects Older Adults
For a long time, hearing loss has been incorrectly associated with aging. While it is true that aging is a common cause of hearing loss, anyone can develop it. Approximately 48 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss, and about two-thirds are under 65 years old. Furthermore, approximately 14.9% of children in the United States have a low or high-frequency hearing loss of at least 16 decibels in one or both ears.
Misconception: Hearing Loss Cannot Be Prevented
While aging is inevitable, many causes of hearing loss can be prevented or protected against, including but not limited to:
- Hearing loss from noise exposure. Over 1 billion young adults are at risk of preventable but permanent hearing loss from loud noise exposure. You can protect against noise-induced hearing loss by minimizing your exposure to noise over 70 decibels and wearing hearing protection such as earplugs and earmuffs when noise cannot be avoided.
- Hearing loss from illness. Illnesses such as meningitis, mumps and more can cause hearing loss. Vaccinating against preventable diseases and seeking treatment early if you become sick are the best ways to prevent illness-induced hearing loss.
- Hearing loss from physical trauma. Physical trauma can cause fracturing in the hearing mechanisms of the ear, leading to temporary or permanent hearing loss. You can protect against hearing loss from physical trauma by wearing a helmet when playing contact sports in Mill Point Park and always wearing your seatbelt in the car.
Misconception: Hearing Loss Is a One-Time Occurrence
Hearing loss is rarely a static condition. Most cases of hearing loss will progress over time, requiring regular management and audiology appointments.
Unfortunately, for many people, the last time they got a hearing test was likely during school. Even if you are not currently experiencing hearing loss symptoms, getting a hearing test to establish your baseline hearing levels is wise. Baseline hearing tests will help your provider identify new or progressing hearing loss and begin a treatment plan as early as possible.
Identifying and debunking these three hearing loss misconceptions is a great way to begin celebrating Audiology Awareness Month. If you’re interested in learning more about hearing loss and treatment, contact Hampton Roads ENT ~ Allergy today to make an appointment with one of our hearing specialists.