Hearing loss is the third most common chronic condition in the U.S. behind only arthritis and heart disease. Affecting more than 48 million individuals, it is surprising how much misinformation is out there about such a prevalent disorder.
Below are common hearing loss myths your Houston audiologist has heard and the truth behind them.
Myth: If I had hearing loss, my doctor would have told me.
Unlike other chronic medical conditions, most primary care physicians do not include a hearing test in their yearly physical exam. Instead, they only refer patients who express concerns about their hearing to an audiologist.
Unfortunately, hearing loss is a progressive condition that slowly worsens over time. Because of this, many people do not even realize they can’t hear sounds until their hearing loss is far along.
Myth: Only old people have hearing loss.
While hearing loss is much more common in elderly patients, affecting one in three people ages 65 to 75 and half of those over the age of 75, it is by no means confined to this demographic. People of all ages can experience hearing loss.
Five of every 1,000 children are born with hearing loss. Teens and young adults are at risk of developing noise induced hearing loss. An estimated 26 million Americans between the ages of 20 to 69 experience hearing loss.
Myth: Hearing aids will cure my loss.
While hearing aids are the most common treatment for hearing loss, they do not restore your hearing. Hearing aids work by amplifying sounds to a level you can hear with your specific degree of hearing loss.
Because of this, many noises will sound different when you first start wearing hearing aids. They take a little getting used to, but after a few weeks your brain will adjust, and you will significantly improve your ability to hear and communicate with others.
Myth: My hearing loss is my personal problem.
While you may think that your hearing loss is a personal problem, it actually affects all those around you. From asking people to repeat themselves, choosing to stay home instead of attending family functions where hearing would be difficult and even turning the tv and radio up to an uncomfortable volume, your untreated hearing loss will impact your loved ones, too.
Contact the experts at Houston Hearing Center today to learn more about what you can do to treat your hearing loss.
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Houston Hearing Center Office Locations in South Houston
Clear Lake
11454 Space Center Blvd, Suite B
Houston, TX 77059
281-998-0530
Southeast
11914 Astoria Blvd, Suite 360
Houston, TX 77089
(281) 484-3981
Sugar Land
16545 Southwest Freeway, Suite 100
Sugar Land, Texas 77479
281-649-7215
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