Hearing loss is common. In fact, it’s the third most widespread health issue in America. Hearing loss is surpassed only by arthritis and heart disease in the way of common health conditions.
According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, about 48 million Americans are affected by hearing loss. That’s a whopping 20 percent of the population.
Not only can hearing loss hinder work performance, it can affect one’s quality of life in general. And it can either come on suddenly or appear slowly over time.
Here are 10 fast facts about hearing loss that you need to know.
1. There’s truth to the belief that hearing loss occurs with age.
Statistically speaking, one in three people have experienced some sort of hearing loss by the age of 65. And almost half of those over 75 are affected by this issue.
When hearing loss is related to age, it’s called presbycusis. This occurs when the inner ear changes with age, resulting in a decline in hearing over time. Though the amount of hearing lost can vary, the actual loss is always a permanent thing.
2. Hearing loss isn’t just an adult issue.
The truth is that hearing loss affects more than just adults. It is thought that out of every 1,000 kids, two to three are either hearing impaired or deaf. In addition, about 30 out of every 1,000 children have experienced some sort of hearing loss.
3. Hearing loss can be hereditary.
If your parents experienced a loss of hearing, you might too. That’s because hearing loss can be inherited. So take note of whether or not your parents once lost or are currently losing hearing.
4. Noise can contribute to hearing loss.
Experts say that 10 million Americans have experienced hearing damage due to noise. The scary thing is that 30 million people are subjected to concerning noise levels on a daily basis.
According to the Better Hearing Institute, when a person is exposed to too much noise, the hair cells in the inner ear can be damaged. This can cause permanent changes in hearing as well as tinnitus (a ringing in the ears).
This is why it’s important to take precautions to prevent noise-related hearing loss. Never work out with your headphones too loud. And always wear protective hearing items when engaging in loud activities. In addition, consider shielding yourself from noise at loud concerts.
5. The numbers associated with hearing loss among veterans are concerning.
The statistics regarding hearing loss among veterans are downright scary, with 60 percent of veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan being affected. In fact, research shows that more than a million of those who have served report tinnitus, impaired hearing, or other auditory issues.
If you’re a veteran who has been affected by hearing loss, there are programs that can help. The Hearing Health Foundation offers a free magazine designed to help military personnel cope with hearing issues as well as links to various treatment options.
6. There are three types of hearing loss.
There is more than one type of hearing loss. In fact, there are three types.
The first is called conductive hearing loss. This revolves around issues in the ear canal, eardrum, or the middle ear and the bones associated with it. The second is called sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). This is also called nerve-related hearing loss and involves issues in the inner ear. The third is known as mixed hearing loss, which is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
7. Diabetes and hearing loss go hand in hand.
Studies have found that hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes as those who do not suffer from diabetes. And people with prediabetes are nearly a third more likely to develop hearing loss than those with normal blood glucose levels. While it’s not known why these hearing changes occur, it is thought that high blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels in the inner ear.
8. Over-the-counter pain medications can contribute to hearing loss.
It’s easy to reach for over-the-counter pain medications. However, exceeding the recommended amount of these medications can lead to hearing loss.
Studies show that high doses of ibuprofen and acetaminophen can elevate one’s risk of hearing loss. Experts say that taking these medications two or more times a week can put your hearing in harm’s way. And that risk appears to be highest among women under the age of 50 who take ibuprofen about six or seven days a week.
So always discuss the regular use of pain relievers with your healthcare provider. In addition, consider routine hearing tests if you use these medications on a consistent basis.
9. There are treatments for hearing loss.
The most well-known treatment for hearing loss is a hearing aid. Hearing aids amplify sound to make it easier to hear. That said, one thing to be aware of is that buying a hearing aid online may not be the best option. Experts say it’s important to see a doctor to diagnose hearing issues and to get the proper fit for a hearing aid.
Another option for some is a cochlear implant. These differ from hearing aids. Rather than amplifying sound, they bypass damaged areas of the ear. Cochlear implants stimulate the auditory nerve to the brain. However, sounds will seem different and may require time to adjust to.
In addition, many people use hearing assistive technology systems (HATS). These devices (which can be used alone or accompany hearing aids and cochlear implants) are designed to make it easier to hear.
10. It’s crucial to create an emergency plan of action for those who are hearing impaired.
If there’s an emergency, it’s essential that a person with hearing loss be able to understand what’s going on -- and be able to communicate effectively.
For example, he or she might not be able to hear a smoke alarm. So visual alarms should be added to a home in which a person who is hearing impaired lives. In addition, it’s essential to have a system in place for a person who is hearing impaired to learn of natural disasters like tornados.
Don’t forget a plan of action. It should include how you or your loved one will be aware of alarms and get ahold of emergency assistance personnel in the event of an emergency.
11. There are support groups available for hearing loss.
Support can be a powerful thing. The Hearing Loss Association of America has chapters that provide meetings with tips, techniques and assistance. You can learn about these options by following this link:
http://www.hearingloss.org/content/hlaa-chapters-and-state-organizations