It’s easy to think that hearing loss is a normal part of the human life cycle and that you don’t have to worry about it until you’re past retirement age, but that’s a common misconception. Approximately 15% of all American adults suffer from some sort of hearing problems, whether it be tinnitus, hearing loss, or simply trouble hearing certain sounds. Hearing loss is more than just an ear issue and affects your life in many different ways. Keep reading as we take a look at 5 of the most common myths on hearing loss and share the truth behind them. Contact Oklahoma Hearing Center today to learn how we can help you protect and improve your hearing.
Hearing Loss is Natural and Can’t Be Prevented
Hearing loss is just like any other physical condition: it has causes, both genetic and environmental. The most common cause of hearing loss is exposure to loud noises in the workplace and at concerts, but there are lesser known causes as well, such as smoking, certain medications, and diseases that present with high fevers. While hearing loss can’t be reversed, it can most certainly be prevented and existing hearing can be improved.
Hearing Loss Only Affects the Elderly
While it is true that the greatest amount of hearing loss occurs in the 60-69 year old age group, that doesn’t mean other age groups aren’t affected. According to the CDC, hearing loss is the 3rd most common chronic physical condition in the US, twice as common as diabetes and cancer. From 2001-2008, it was estimated that 48 millions Americans over the age of 12 had hearing loss in at least one ear. It was also shown that 21% of adults over 18 years of age had difficulty hearing in environments with background noise, and that approximately 1 out of every 500 children are born with some level of hearing loss.
Hearing Loss Doesn’t Impact My Overall Health
Hearing loss affects more than just your ears. Studies have shown that untreated hearing loss, even mild cases, can contribute to cognitive decline and can be an early indicator for Alzheimer’s. Hearing loss also shares correlations with a higher risk for hypertension, loss of balance, and depression, and is twice as common in individuals who are diagnosed with diabetes.
Hearing Aids Restore 100% of Hearing
Many people believe hearing aids to instantly restore their hearing back to the way it was. However, hearing aids are much like glasses in the way that they help the issue, but don’t remove it. They are aids that can improve your hearing, but they cannot fully restore the hearing you have lost. That is why it’s important to make regular appointments with your audiologist to catch hearing loss as early as possible and take the necessary steps to protect your hearing.
I Can Save Money By Ordering My Hearing Aids Online
While hearing aids can be expensive, ordering them online can actually end up costing you more money in the long run. The actual hearing aids are just one step of the process; getting them fitted by an audiologist is the next. Diagnosing your specific hearing loss and programming the devices to meet your needs in every environment are the first steps that your audiologist will take in fitting your hearing aids.
Keep in mind that addressing your hearing loss is a journey, not a single event. As your hearing changes over time and your brain adjusts to hearing sounds that you may not have heard for years, you will need to visit your audiologist for continuing adjustments to the programming of your hearing aids. When the audiologist working with the patient is an active participant in the technology selection process as well as the long-term care, the patient is ensured the best results possible. In many cases, buying hearing aids online and skipping the on-going diagnostic and clinical care from an audiologist will result in a higher overall cost of treatment.
Contact the Oklahoma Hearing Center
At the Oklahoma Hearing Center, our team of audiologists are dedicated to taking the confusion and uncertainty out of your questions on hearing loss. For over 30 years, we have been treating hearing loss in Oklahoma City, providing you with the tools and equipment you need to not only manage your hearing, but to maximize it and provide you with a higher quality of life. Give us a call today at 405-546-4280 or schedule an appointment online. We’d love to meet with you and discuss how we can help.