There are quite a few myths about hearing loss floating around out there. You’ve likely come across a few in your life, and you may even believe them. Disputing hearing loss myths is essential! Doing so will allow you to get the right hearing health care you need, even if you think you’re too young or don’t live a noisy enough life to be living with hearing loss. Here are four of the most common myths about hearing loss.

You Can’t Have Hearing Loss Under the Age of 60

Many people think that only people aged 60 and over need to take care of their hearing. However, the truth is that hearing loss can be experienced at any age. People aged 18 and under can have hearing loss, and those aged 18 and over can have hearing loss. It’s not just something only older people need to consider. An audiologist can help you to understand hearing loss, if you believe you are experiencing it.

You Can’t Stop Hearing Loss

The idea that you can’t stop hearing loss is a common myth, but it’s not true. While some forms of hearing loss, like age-related decline, can be hard to prevent, most noise-induced hearing loss can be avoided with the right precautions. However, a lot of the factors involved with hearing loss are also lifestyle related.

Namely, the amount of noise in your usual day to day life. If you work in a noisy environment, like to listen to loud music or attend clubs and festivals quite often, you can prevent hearing loss through the use of ear defenders and earplugs.

Hearing Loss Only Affects the Ears

Those with hearing loss experience it both physically and mentally as well. Untreated hearing loss can lead to communication difficulties, making it harder to connect with others, which can result in social isolation or feelings of loneliness. It can also increase stress and fatigue, as you may have to strain to hear conversations or sounds around you. Additionally, untreated hearing loss has been linked to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia. So, hearing loss doesn’t just affect your ears – it can impact your quality of life and health in many ways.

Hearing Aids are Only Needed for Severe Hearing Loss

Some people believe that hearing aids are only for those who have a significant level of hearing loss. However, hearing aids can be worn for any level of hearing loss. Indeed, hearing aids are made to be suitable for all levels and types of hearing aids, and you don’t need to experience a severe or profound hearing loss to need them. They can be effective at addressing hearing loss symptoms.

Make sure you are researching about hearing loss and get the right information about your hearing health. Talk to an audiologist if you’re confused about what hearing loss is, what causes it and who it can affect. If you believe you are experiencing hearing loss, schedule an appointment with an audiologist.