Did you know that an estimated 700 million people worldwide may need rehabilitation for debilitating hearing loss by 2050? Hearing loss is getting more common as the years go by, and not just amongst seniors.
You may think that this isn’t something that you have to think about. After all, your hearing is still good, right? Why should you care about hearing loss?
Believe it or not, you may already be influenced by some common hearing loss myths. We’re here to talk about them so you can stay informed and maintain good oral health and wellbeing.
Read on to learn more.
Hearing Loss Only Happens to Elderly People
This is a dangerous myth that causes some younger people to put their own hearing in unnecessary danger or to resist visiting a doctor if they think that something is wrong.
Hearing loss can happen to people of any age. Some people are born without hearing. Some will develop it later in life while others will remain deaf permanently.
While it’s true that aging is a key factor when it comes to hearing loss, it’s not the only factor. Don’t assume that you can’t suffer from hearing loss because you think that you’re too young and healthy.
All People With Hearing Loss Are (or Will Be) Deaf
Some people who have hearing loss are deaf. Others are functionally deaf but still have some level of hearing. Some people only have a small amount of hearing loss.
All of these things still count as hearing loss.
Not everyone who experiences hearing loss will opt for a hearing aid and learn ASL right away. Some may start needing to focus more on reading lips and they may ask you to speak loudly.
You’ll discover incomplete hearing loss over time. You might start experiencing tinnitus (read more here: https://wichitafallshearing.com/what-causes-tinnitus/), realize that you can no longer hear people in crowded places, or realize that you have to turn up the volume on your television or turn on captions.
Sometimes hearing loss will progress into deafness, but this isn’t always true.
Lifestyle Factors Can’t Influence Hearing Loss
As we mentioned, some people are born with hearing loss. Others develop it due to genetic factors or age. Lifestyle factors, however, can also influence your hearing and various types of hearing loss.
It’s possible for sudden hearing loss to start after exposure to one large “deafening” sound (though this may not be permanent). You can also suffer hearing loss after visiting too many loud concerts or spending too much time around loud equipment.
Smoking can influence your hearing, as can a bad diet. Your ear health is connected to your overall optimal health.
Have You Heard These Hearing Loss Myths?
Many people believe these hearing loss myths, but don’t be fooled. Remember: hearing loss can happen to people of any age. It doesn’t always mean (or lead to) deafness and your lifestyle factors can influence it!
If you’re worried that you may be experiencing hearing loss, talk to a doctor today.
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