People have many misconceptions about hearing loss. These are based on old myths, outdated technology, or just a general misunderstanding of the condition. By learning some important facts about hearing loss, you’ll be better equipped to deal with it, whether it affects you personally or somebody close to you.
- 48 million Americans (20 percent of the population, or one in five) report some degree of hearing loss. This number has doubled in the last 30 years.
- Hearing loss isn’t confined to older individuals; it affects people of all ages. Only about one-third of hearing loss patients are older than 65.
- Not everybody who suffers from hearing loss is aware of their condition. Hearing loss develops gradually, and changes to hearing are often so subtle they may go unnoticed for some time.
- The most common cause of hearing loss is noise exposure. While 85 decibels (dB) is considered the safety threshold, exposure to even moderately loud noises can cause permanent hearing damage.
- Hearing loss cannot be reversed – but it is preventable in some situations. Wearing hearing protection (earplugs or earmuffs) is an effective method of warding off noise-induced hearing loss.
- Hearing aids are not a cure for hearing loss, but they do help many hearing-impaired individuals communicate more effectively. They work by amplifying sound vibrations that enter the ear. It is estimated that 95 percent of those suffering from hearing loss benefit from hearing aids – although only one out of five people with hearing loss seeks treatment.
- Hearing loss affects people equally, regardless of race, sex, income or social status. What do Bill Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Pete Townshend, Huey Lewis and Buzz Aldrin have in common? They all wear (or wore) hearing aids.
Call Acadian Hearing & Balance Center at (337) 237-0716 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
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