Busting the MYTHS about hearing loss

Most people take their hearing for granted, and even when they start to lose it, they often put it down to being part of getting older.

Hearing loss is one of the most common health conditions among Australians, with more than 3.5 million people experiencing some level of hearing loss. Early detection and treatment of hearing loss can have a positive impact on people’s quality of life and improve their ability to communicate with their family, friends and colleagues.

There are many myths out there when it comes to hearing loss and the team at HearClear Audiology are focused on busting them all in order to improve the hearing health of our community.

MYTH: Hearing loss only affects the elderly

Reality: Of all the people with hearing loss in Australia, almost ½ are between the ages of 15 to 64 years old. When it comes to studying and performing at work, hearing clearly and participating in conversations with confidence and without hesitation is important.

 
Aside from ageing, there are other factors such as genetics, illness and exposure to loud noise that may also lead to hearing loss. Loud noise? That leads us to the second myth.

MYTH: Only factory workers suffer from noise induced hearing loss

Reality: More than 1 in 3 people with hearing loss in Australia (37% in fact) have noise-induced hearing loss. Positive steps have been taken in noisy workplaces such as factories and construction sites to ensure workers wear earplugs or protective earmuffs. However, there are other jobs where workers may be exposed to high levels of noise for extended periods of time, resulting in noise-induced hearing loss. These include commercial cleaners, truck drivers, people working in busy restaurants/cafes/kitchens, administrative staff with offices adjacent to factories, hairdressers, among many others.

Modern living and technologies such as cars, planes and other forms of machinery mean we are all exposed to more environmental noise than ever before. In addition, noisy leisure activities such as listening to music with headphones, nightclubbing and attending live music concerts increase the risk of noise induced hearing loss.

MYTH: Only people with severe hearing loss need hearing aids

Reality: Hearing loss is often a slow progressive condition. Like many other health issues, early intervention is key. Even if you have a mild hearing loss, your lifestyle and communication can be impacted. The sooner you act on hearing loss, the better chance you have for your brain to retrain itself how to manage and discern sounds. The longer you wait to address hearing loss, the harder it is to adjust and “relearn” how to hear again.

MYTH: Everyone will notice my hearing aids

Reality: The fact is, hearing loss is far more noticeable than hearing aids. Without hearing aids, you’ll likely respond incorrectly or appear to not be paying attention during conversations.
The digital age has brought numerous advances in hearing aid technology. Today’s hearing aids are much smaller, more lightweight, have far better sound quality, and superior noise filtering and amplification capabilities. You can choose from dozens of behind the ear, in ear or in the ear canal models. The newest models are sleek and small, with some types that fit completely inside the ear canal, making them virtually invisible.

MYTH: Hearing Aids are expensive

Reality: In recent times, the cost of hearing aids has reduced significantly. Hearing aids have become more affordable than ever before, and like many other products, they have differing price points depending on the level of technology. Hearing clearly is part of staying healthy, happy and active. The hearing specialists at HearClear Audiology will recommend the hearing aid options that best match your hearing needs, your lifestyle and your budget.

What can you do if you suspect you, or a loved one has untreated hearing loss?

HearClear Audiology provide FREE hearing assessments for adults aged 21 and older and obligation free hearing aid trials so that you can hear for yourself what difference hearing aids can make to your life. 

If you have worked in a noisy environment, HearClear Audiology can assist you with a WorkCover claim with no upfront out of pocket expense. You may be eligible for WorkCover even if you have claimed before or have retired.

 
Click here to view all HearClear Audiology locations or call us on 1300 552 207 to make an appointment at any of our clinics.