Hearing Center: Prevalence and Myths of Impairment

It is perhaps one of the most underappreciated impairments one can suffer from. While no one doubts how difficult it is to make it through life while completely deaf, those who have a lesser degree of auditory impairment may find it difficult to get sympathy from the general public. Too many people think it is an issue on par with nearsightedness. While this may have been true many, many years ago, today's glasses, contacts, and laser eye surgery have made nearsightedness something very easy to live with. As much as a hearing center can help with a listening aid, it is no substitute for your natural ability to hear. Here are some facts about the prevalence of impairment and some of the myths that surround the condition. Prevalence It is estimated that nearly 30% of individuals over the age of 60 have some degree of auditory impairment. Out of that number, only a relatively small fraction will ever visit a hearing center or a doctor to have their ability to hear tested, diagnosed, and treated. Approximately 8% of those in the Generation X crowd have already suffered from some auditory loss. The loud, angry music of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden surely spoke to this generation, but they may also have created problems that will last a lifetime. Of course, it isn't a band that is to blame for auditory loss, but rather a misunderstanding on the part of the public as to what volumes constitute safe levels. Myth: Only the Elderly Need to Worry About Auditory Loss This is not something you'll ever hear someone say (unless they are suffering from truly palpable ignorance), but it is nonetheless a prevalent, almost subconscious myth. Just as few teenagers believe they could die from that stupid stunt they're about to pull, few people under the age of 40 really believe they are in any danger of losing their ability to hear. Any hearing center can tell you, however, that they see just as many young people fitted for listening aids as those in the older age groups. Myth: My Doctor Would Have Told Me This is another myth that many people believe in. They go see their family doctor on a regular basis, he sticks that thing in their ear, and he's never said anything about going deaf! When was the last time you actually had your ability to hear tested? Most doctors never run such a test unless the patient requests it specifically. Even then, the ability to hear a sound you're specifically listening for in a quiet office is a lot different than your ability to hear conversations in a public arena. If you have any suspicions about your ability to hear, make sure you get it professionally evaluated.