Hearing loss comes in many different levels and living with it is different for each person. As a result, a lot of misconceptions can arise around hearing loss and how it works. A lot of mistruths can go around, and if you work in a noisy environment or like listening to loud music, these myths can make you think hearing loss isn’t all that serious.

But here at Big Thicket Hearing Aids & Audiology, we’re audiologists with long term experience in helping people with hearing loss live the lives they want. And if you’re curious about living with hearing loss, here’s what you need to know about four of the most common myths on how it affects you. Make sure you know the facts first, as they make for the best treatment.

If You’re Young, Hearing Loss Won’t Affect You

It’s often thought that hearing only deteriorates with age, and if you’re young, your hearing won’t ever be impacted by loud noises. But this is simply untrue. No matter what age you are, hearing loss can affect you. For example, babies can also commonly live with hearing loss – about two in every 1,000 newborns are born with some kind of hearing impairment.

As a teenager or young adult, your ears may become damaged in some way or other, or the hearing part of your brain may need extra help. This is especially prone to happen if you’re someone who attends loud concerts, regularly listens to headphones that are on the loudest setting or you work in a very noisy environment such as a construction site. No matter what age you are, you could be vulnerable to hearing.

Hearing Loss Is Nothing to Worry About if You Can Still Mostly Hear

Slight or mild hearing loss can still impact your life, and in ways you might not have thought about. For example, if you’re trying to talk to a friend in a crowded area, this level of impairment might cause you to miss what’s being said. That can get frustrating if you’re on a day or night out, and you may notice you’re always asking for people to repeat themselves.

All hearing loss levels can be challenging to live with, but you should never feel you have to deal with it yourself. You can talk to an audiologist and book a hearing test, and you may even end up with a hearing aid that makes daily life much easier to face.

Hearing Aids Aren’t Necessary

You’ll see a lot of older people out and about with hearing aids, and you may think this is the only age group who have access to them. However, hearing aids can be necessary for all ages and levels of hearing loss.

After all, hearing aids are the best way to address hearing loss issues. And if you’re living with a mild level of hearing loss, they can still be fitted to ensure you’re hearing everything you need to. They can make conversations easier to follow along with by blocking out excess sound, and they can help prevent headaches and muscle strain whenever you’re in a noisy situation.

Hearing Loss Is Only a Problem for Your Ears

It’s not just your ears that are at risk. Hearing loss affects areas of your brain as well. Studies have shown that those with hearing loss may be more susceptible to conditions such as dementia or other losses of cognition over time.

Other areas of your life could also be affected. If you can’t hear as well as you used to, you may find yourself often avoiding conversation. You may feel that if you can’t follow along, there’s no point in trying to talk to other people, which can negatively impact your mental health in the long run.

Talk to Us About Your Hearing Loss Worries

The idea of losing your hearing can cause a lot of anxiety. As an experienced audiologist center, we’re here to help put those worries to bed. You can talk to us about any symptoms you may be experiencing or to simply book a hearing test that can help you better understand how to protect your current level of hearing.

So, get in touch! Big Thicket Hearing Aids & Audiology is always here to take your call. You can call us today at (409) 751-2590 and be put straight through to book an appointment that suits you. Whatever it is that’s worrying you about your hearing, we’ll give you the insight you’re looking for.

Tags: hearing loss basics