Hearing myths
Myth 1:
Hearing loss is something to be ashamed of – it means I am getting old!
Our response
- It is ironic that Australians who spend huge sums of money every year in a bid to look, feel and stay young also avoid treating their hearing loss because they equate hearing loss with getting older.
- There is little point in chasing youthfulness if your hearing is holding you back. Nothing gives your age away more than inappropriately shouting or getting grumpy because you can’t hear properly.
- A good, discrete hearing aid may not be the only anti-aging product around, but it is one of the most effective.
Myth 2:
I don’t have to worry about my hearing or get it checked until I am over 60. There isn’t much you can do to protect it anyway because you naturally lose it with age.
Our response
- Hearing damage can happen at any age. People who are exposed to noise and do not protect their hearing begin to lose their hearing at an early age. For example, by age 25 the average carpenter has "50-year old" ears!
- There are actually more people with hearing loss between the age of 45 and 64, than over 65. There is also growing concern for young people, with children as young as 10 now suffering tinnitus and permanent hearing loss due to the increased use of in-ear listening devices such as MP3 players.
- Do not wait until you notice a hearing loss to start protecting yourself from harmful noise. After damage to the ear is done, it generally cannot be reversed.
- Noise injury, not age is the single most common cause of hearing loss. 37% of hearing loss is due to noise injury. That means it could have been prevented.
- Anyone regularly exposed to loud noise or over the age of 55 should have an annual hearing test.
- Anyone who notices a change in their hearing (or who develops tinnitus) should have their ears checked straightaway.
- A hearing test is painless and easy. It’s important to detect a loss as soon as possible as this can help minimize further hearing loss.
Myth 3:
It won’t hurt if I put off doing something about my hearing for a year or two.
Our response
- Yes it will. Generally, once damage to the ear is done, it cannot be reversed. So if you already have some signs of noise-related hearing loss, prevent further damage and preserve the hearing that you still have.
- Studies have shown that people who manage their hearing loss have half the number of visits to doctors and enjoy better social, emotional, and physical well being.
- People experiencing untreated hearing loss can suffer the following symptoms:
* Embarrassment
* Loss of confidence
* Irritability and anger
* Depression
* Feeling of being ignored
* Dependence on others
* Withdrawal, isolation and loneliness
* Exclusion from family and social activities
