Hearing Loss: Separating Fact from Fiction

Myth Exposed: The most common cause of hearing loss is advancing age.

“The truth is exposure to loud noise is the number one cause of hearing loss; only 35% of people with hearing loss are older than age 64,” says Dr. Dustin Richards, audiologist and owner of Wolfpack Hearing Clinic in Fayetteville. “There are nearly six million people in the U.S. between the ages of 18 and 44 with hearing loss, and more than one million are school age.”

Hearing loss affects all age groups, according to Dr. Richards. Hereditary factors and health conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and other circulatory problems also cause hearing loss, along with certain medications like aspirin, some antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs.

Myth Exposed: Only people with serious hearing loss need hearing devices.

Dr. Richards notes that the need for hearing amplification is really dependent on your lifestyle, your degree of hearing loss and your need for a more sophisticated level of hearing.

“If you are a teacher or a lawyer, for example, refined hearing is necessary to understand the nuances of communication. Therefore you may not be able to tolerate even a mild level of hearing loss,” he points out. “On the other hand, if you live alone or in a rural area and seldom socialize, then your tolerance level for moderate hearing loss may be higher.”

Myth Exposed: If I had a hearing loss, my family doctor would have told me.

Incorrect, reports the Better Hearing Institute. Their studies indicate a mere 14% of physicians routinely screen for hearing loss during a physical. Besides, the quiet atmosphere in a doctor’s office makes hearing loss very difficult to detect. Audiology is a specialty that relies on training many doctors do not have, making them ill equipped to diagnose hearing loss.

Myth Exposed: Hearing devices will make me look older.

Dr. Richards weighs in on this myth:

“Hearing devices don’t make you look older; the fact that you cannot hear, understand and communicate normally with others make you look older,” he notes. “Those who cater to vanity pay the price when they are unable to function normally, and it’s next to impossible to hide the condition; smiling and nodding your head is bound to get you into trouble on occasion. “

If you are that concerned over appearance, Dr. Richards points out, many of today’s hearing devices are so tiny they fit into your ear canal and are virtually invisible to others.

Myth Exposed: Hearing devices aren’t worth the expense.

“What price would you put on quality of life?,” Dr. Richards asks. “Research studies indicate 9 out of 10 people with hearing devices believe their quality of life has improved. Overall satisfaction in people who have worn hearing devices for one year is 78%, close to satisfaction ratings for most consumer electronics.”

Effective communication is just one of the benefits of hearing devices; users report improvements in their relationships, emotional and physical wellbeing, self-confidence, sense of humor, mental and cognitive skills, and sense of safety.

The audiologists at Wolfpack Hearing in Fayetteville are skilled in diagnosing and treating hearing loss. For more information or to set up a hearing evaluation, go to wolfpackhearing.com or call (479) 957-9300.