Show #420 Airing Sunday, 2/10/08
Hearing loss is often over looked and often misunderstood. Here to make sure we hear the truth about hearing loss is Dr. Marvin Lewis, an audiologist from Echo Hearing and Audiology.
Question:There are many misconceptions and myths about hearing loss that can be very harmful. You've made a list. Let's start with If I had hearing loss, I would know it. That's a myth?
Answer:: Yes! Hearing loss often develops slowly, and people often don't notice it. You are often simply unaware of the sounds you are missing. Since it happens slowly, people tend to ignore or put up with it.
Question:The second misconception is similar: I can hide my hearing loss. It isn't really a big deal. I can get by.
Answer:: We've found that friends, co-workers and family often do notice hearing loss but are afraid or uncomfortable to bring it up. They might have done so in the past, and the person may have been defensive. It can be a touchy subject, because we're talking about the loss of one of our important ways of interacting with the world.
Actually, hearing loss CAN be a big deal. Landmark studies by the National Council on Aging reveal that hearing loss is associated with withdrawal from socializing, depression, and anxiety. Plus it puts stress on the spouse or other family members when the person misunderstands what a conversation is about or doesn't even realize someone is talking to them.
Sometimes the misunderstanding is funny, but most of the time it's annoying. Another study shows those with untreated hearing loss earn significantly less than those that take care of their hearing problem.
Question:You told me the next misconception is one of the biggest: I've been told I have nerve hearing loss and nothing can be done.
Answer:: 85-90% of hearing losses are nerve-hearing losses (also known as sensorineural hearing loss). This type is due to the aging process, noise exposure, certain diseases like diabetes and kidney problems, and some medications.
The good news is that you CAN often rehabilitate a nerve loss; in fact, statistics show that about 90% of all nerve deafness is helped through hearing aids.
Question:Okay, the next misconception: My friends with hearing aids say they don't work.
Answer:: 25 million people throughout the world wear hearing aids, so they obviously work for lots of people. But there are reasons why they might work as well as they should. Here are 5 common reasons.
- If they are not cleaned properly.
- A person wears only one when 2 are recommended.
- The hearing aids aren't tuned properly, which is relative simple to correct by going back to the office and asking to have the tuning changed.
- Their aids may be the older type, called analog, which don't have the capabilities the new DIGITAL hearing aids have. Digitals have a computer chip that controls the sounds, and they perform much better than the older analog type. Since everyone's hearing loss is different, it makes sense to use digital because it can be customized for each patient.
- Unrealistic expectations - Some advertisements lead people to think that they can regain their normal hearing as if they were teenagers. The truth is most hearing loss is permanent, which is why we stress hearing safety so much. However, hearing aids can dramatically help you hear in the situations you need most.
Question:Hearing loss only affects old people.
Answer:: Only about 37% of those experiencing hearing loss are over 65. The largest growing segment is the age range between 54 and 65 years of age, in part due to an increase of noise exposure and loud music (of all kinds-not just rock).
Question:What should we do if we think we are experiencing hearing loss?
Answer:: Have your hearing tested by an audiologist. But be aware, not all offices are the same. There are two types of licenses that will test hearing. Only the Audiologist has a requirement for university training and a degree, either a master's or doctorate.
The doctorate has an Au.D. or Ph.D. after their name, a master's has an M.A., M.S. or M. Ed. We explain this and everything you need to consider about having your hearing tested in our free booklet.
Now that you've heard the facts, you can learn more about testing, and you can receive a free copy of the Bill of Rights for Better Hearing, by giving Echo Hearing and Audiology a call at the number that's next. My thanks to Dr. Marvin Lewis.
