By Barbara Pierce
Approximately 15% of adults in the U.S. have trouble hearing, according to the National Institute of Health, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For those older than 70, 65% have hearing loss. An estimated 12.5% of children have hearing loss.
Hearing loss is frustrating for those who have it and for their loved ones.
It is linked with problems with balance and walking, falls, depression, even dementia.
Mild hearing loss doubles the risk of dementia. Moderate loss triples the risk and people with a severe hearing impairment are five times more likely to develop dementia.
Yet only about one-third of those with hearing loss wear hearing aids, according to JAMA.com (Journal of the American Medical Association). Most wait too long to act, coping as best they can, hoping that their hearing will improve. Sadly, it never does. It just gets worse.
With the rate of hearing loss in the U.S. expected to almost double in the next few decades, we wanted to understand more about hearing loss and what prevents people from seeking treatment. We asked Robert Bishton, board-certified hearing instrument specialist, for answers.
1 — What Causes It?
A: In addition to aging, there are several other causes of hearing loss. Hearing does weaken as you grow older. Some illnesses and injuries can cause hearing loss. Earwax buildup can harden and this blockage can affect hearing. Don’t try removing the wax yourself; see your primary care provider. Hearing loss is a side effect of some medications, including certain antibiotics and cancer drugs. Regular use of aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen may increase the risk of hearing loss. Long-term exposure to continuous loud noise can cause lasting hearing loss. If you work in a loud environment, use power tools or a motorcycle, wear earplugs.
2 — Do I Need Hearing Aids?
A: Most people don’t know when they need hearing aids. Studies have shown it takes seven to 10 years for someone to even consider hearing aids. More often than not, it’s a spouse, family or friends complaining to them that drives them to first look into hearing aids. People often don’t realize how poor their hearing was until they hear again.
3 — Why Are People So Hesitant to Get Hearing Aids?
A: I’ve found that people today are far less hesitant than they were 20-25 years ago. It used to be we didn’t see anyone considering hearing aids until they were in their late 60s or early 70s, but today we’re seeing people in their 40s stepping up and doing something about their hearing loss.
The old age stigma isn’t the big deal it used to be and people are far more educated about hearing loss today, especially the connection between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline.
Hearing aids today are fantastic; they’re small. Nobody even notices or cares. A person would rather have a face-to-face conversation with you when you’re not going ‘Huh?’ or asking you to repeat yourself.
4 — Why Should I See a Hearing Professional?
A: There’s so much more to just buying a pair of hearing aids. If someone is looking for cheap, they buy an OTC, which is typically just an amplifier found in drugstores or Walmart, but the success rate is very low. Don’t be fooled by purchasing online.
Purchasing online can be better than an OTC but not as inexpensive as you might think. In fact, you can pay nearly as much as you would visiting an audiologist or hearing professional. An audiologist or hearing professional offers the counseling and instruction that is vitally important to success.
In a one-to-one office visit, we provide an accurate hearing test (audiogram), a precision fit with the correct domes or molds to match the hearing loss and precise adjustment.
Additionally, the number one reason for hearing aid failure is wax buildup in the receiver. Without a professional to assist you in how to clean, service and change wax guards, the hearing aids will fail and you’ll give up wearing them. Even with proper instruction, people are hesitant to change these out on their own.
5 — How Can We Prevent Hearing Loss?
A: Simply put… if you have to yell to converse, your hearing is in danger. Anytime you are using a lawnmower, a chainsaw or attending loud concerts the potential to exposure for hearing loss is there. Wearing hearing protection is a must.
If you have hearing loss, don’t accept it! If you’re losing your hearing, get it diagnosed and treated. Get treated and live life to the fullest.
Experts recommend that everyone have their hearing tested once a year, to identify issues early on and treat them before they become a severe problem.