We need to challenge the existing prejudices associated with hearing loss, as it profoundly affects the quality of life and mental well-being. Extensive research demonstrates that individuals with even a mild hearing impairment face twice the risk of developing dementia compared to those with normal hearing, and this risk escalates with the severity of hearing loss. A six-year study at Johns Hopkins revealed that cognitive decline in older adults with hearing loss occurs 30%-40% faster than in those with typical hearing, leading to significant cognitive impairment occurring 3.2 years earlier. Furthermore, hearing loss is linked to a higher incidence of heart disease, diabetes, and depression.
WHO experiences hearing loss? Hearing loss is a widespread issue affecting 50 million Americans today. This includes one out of every five teenagers and 60% of our veterans returning from foreign conflicts. Remarkably, more people suffer from hearing loss than the combined total of those with diabetes, Alzheimer’s, autism, and osteoporosis. Despite this prevalence, hearing loss often receives insufficient attention within the national healthcare discourse, primarily because it isn’t life-threatening. While true, hearing loss can erode one’s quality of life through isolation, depression, early-onset dementia, and various other health complications.
WHAT is the stigma associated with hearing loss? Defining the precise nature of the stigma surrounding hearing loss can be challenging. Are people with hearing loss perceived as old, unintelligent, unattractive, uncool, or not worth the extra effort required for communication? It’s unclear what drives this stigma, but many of us with hearing loss feel its effects. Of course, none of these stigmas are accurate. Individuals with hearing loss span all age groups, from newborns to the elderly, and in the era of pervasive noise pollution, many new cases of hearing loss occur in teenagers.
The stigma surrounding hearing loss is perplexing, given that there is no negative perception associated with wearing glasses or using a wheelchair or other assistive devices. Perhaps this is because hearing loss is invisible, making it easier for others to assume that a person with hearing loss is inattentive or rude when they respond inappropriately to a question. In reality, the individual likely didn’t hear what was said.
WHY is it crucial to dispel the stigma of hearing loss? Due to this stigma, many individuals who could benefit from hearing loss treatment remain untreated. According to the NIDCD, among adults aged 70 and older who could benefit from hearing aids, fewer than one in three (30 percent) have ever used them. An even smaller percentage of adults aged 20 to 69 (approximately 16 percent) who could benefit from hearing aids have ever used them. Given the serious health consequences of untreated hearing loss, this situation needs to change.
Current legislation contributes to the stigma surrounding hearing loss. For example, while most health insurance providers in the United States cover the cost of eyeglasses, they do not cover hearing aids, discouraging many individuals from seeking treatment. Until hearing loss is recognized as a serious health concern and suitable accommodations are provided for those with hearing loss, the stigma will persist, and people with hearing loss will continue to avoid seeking the help they require.
HOW can you help eliminate the stigma of hearing loss?
- Include hearing screenings in your annual medical checkup and encourage friends and family to do the same.
- If you have hearing loss, seek treatment. Consult an audiologist to explore hearing aid options or discuss the issue with your primary care physician.
- If you have hearing aids, use them consistently. Adjusting to their settings may take time, but they can make a significant difference.
- Speak openly about your hearing loss. Your openness will gradually reduce the stigma for others.
- Promote the value of hearing and encourage hearing protection by offering earplugs or advocating for lower volume levels.
- Urge your elected representatives to prioritize hearing loss as a crucial aspect of the national healthcare agenda.
If you have questions or would like more information on hearing loss treatment, give us a call at Purchase Ear Technology – (270) 558-3996. Tim Harmon and his staff are ready to help you. Purchase Ear Technology is conveniently located at 2008 Broadway St in Paducah, KY. At Purchase Ear Technology, you are more than a patient. YOU ARE FAMILY!