Understanding Hearing Loss
How Do You Know If You Have A Hearing Loss?
Chances are, you'll be the last to know. Most hearing loss happens so gradually that you may not notice it until it becomes a big problem. The people around you will notice it first. You may have to ask people to repeat themselves, especially if there is any background noise, you may make mistakes and need to turn up the television louder than before. You may fail to hear the doorbell, the telephone and/or warning signals.
As the hearing loss worsens you may find yourself straining to hear conversations and becoming tired from the effort required to listen. Over time, you may find yourself avoiding social situations and losing interest in activities that you once enjoyed.
Approximately 500 million people worldwide suffer from hearing loss. Although nearly 20% of persons between the ages of 65 and 74 have a significant hearing loss, it may surprise you to learn that the population of hearing-impaired people is getting younger and younger, largely due to excessive noise exposure.
Hearing loss has been called the invisible handicap yet the impact on quality of life can be profound. A recent study revealed the following: hearing impaired persons with untreated hearing loss report increased feelings of depression and anxiety, increased paranoia and social phobias, more anger and frustration, increased introversion and feelings of self criticism. They also report decreased overall health, decreased social activity, and even decreased earning power.
Fortunately, the situation can be greatly improved for most people with hearing loss. The same study revealed that persons with treated hearing loss (through hearing aids and/or medical treatment) report better family relationships, higher self esteem, improved mental health, greater feelings of independence and security, better overall health and increased social activity.
Getting Help
Surveys have shown that most people with a significant hearing loss wait several years before finally seeking help. This may be partly due to a reluctance to admit there is a problem, but it is certainly related to the gradual nature of most hearing loss and the length of time it takes for an individual to realize that a hearing loss exists. When people finally try hearing instruments, they are usually amazed to discover how much they had been missing!
