Did you know that 1 in 6 people in the U.S. have some degree of hearing loss? Impacting over 48 million people, hearing loss is a pervasive health condition that people commonly experience today. But it still remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. Significantly contributing to this is that acknowledging the reality of hearing loss can be difficult. Though recognizing changes to health can be challenging, accepting this and seeking treatment is the first step to profoundly improving the quality of your life.
Why is Confronting Hearing Loss Challenging?
Various studies show that there tends to be individual inaction when it comes to hearing loss. In fact, it takes an average of 7 years from the onset of symptoms for people to seek treatment. In a recently published study conducted by the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), researchers found that more than 51% of participants reported experiencing hearing challenges. But only 11% have sought treatment and the majority of people have been experiencing these challenges for more than 1 year. So why is it so challenging to acknowledge and take action when it comes to hearing loss?
There are several reasons that research, including this ASHA study, point to that helps illuminate some of the challenges with confronting hearing loss. This include:
- Stigma: there is still stigma associated with hearing loss which makes it difficult to acknowledge. People may feel embarrassed which often leads to them pretending to hear and using other strategies to mask hearing loss.
- Misconceptions: there are numerous misconceptions about hearing loss that contribute to the stigma and delay in treatment. This includes that hearing loss is only experienced by aging adults, it is not a serious condition, it can be dealt with later, it’s not life threatening so it’s not that big of a deal etc. But it is important to know that hearing loss impacts people of all ages and that it is a permanent medical condition that if left untreated, can increase health risks.
- Lack of knowledge: Oftentimes, people don’t know about the significant innovations in hearing health and treatment. People typically imagine big and bulky hearing aids which they want to avoid. But, like most electronic devices today, hearing aids have experienced much advancement. Devices are smaller, savvier, and sleeker than ever before. Also, the process of diagnosing and treating hearing loss is totally accessible and painless.
We understand why ackoweldign hearing loss can be tough. But the more you know about the vast resources, services, and technologies that are available to you; the more empowered you can become to take action.
Recognizing Hearing Loss Symptoms
First, it is important to be able to recognize the signs of hearing loss. Knowing the symptoms can better help you understand what you are experiencing. Common hearing loss symptoms include:
- Tinnitus: a ringing, buzzing, or clicking like sound in one or both ears
- Sounds are muffled, slurred, or distorted
- Difficulty hearing in settings with background noise
- Increasing the volume on the TV or your phone
- Asking others to repeat themselves or speak louder
- Cupping one ear to hear more clearly
- Lip reading to help identify individual words
- Missing words or parts of a conversation
- Feeling confused and/or fatigued during and after conversation
These symptoms can be mild to more severe, making it difficult to have conversations. If you recognize any of these symptoms, it is important to have your hearing evaluated as soon as possible.
Treating Hearing Loss With Innovative Audiology of Georgia
You can prioritize your hearing health by taking the first step: schedule an appointment for a hearing test. Hearing tests involve a painless process that measures hearing capacity in both ears. This identifies any impairment and the degree of hearing loss you could be experiencing. Once the specifics of your hearing needs are established, this informs treatment options that can successfully meet those needs. Hearing aids are the most common treatment for hearing loss. Today’s hearing aids are more powerful and innovative than ever before, offering a range of styles and features that allow the device to easily integrate into daily life. Our team of experts at Audiology of Georgia have the experience and knowledge to provide individualized care that transforms health. Call us today to schedule an appointment.