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ARCHBOLD.ORG
•
FALL 2016
15
ACCORDING TO
the Hearing Loss
Association of America, about 20 percent
of Americans report some degree of
hearing loss.
A Marke Trak survey (2004) regarding
the incidence of hearing loss shows that:
•
31.5 million people (10% of the U.S.
population) report a hearing difficulty.
•
3 in 10 people over the age of 60 have
hearing loss.
•
1 in 6 baby boomers (ages 41–59), or
14.6 percent, have a hearing problem.
•
1 in 14 Generation Xers (29–40), or
7.4 percent, already have hearing loss.
•
At least 1.4 million children (18 or
younger) have hearing problems.
•
It is estimated that 3 infants in 1,000
are born with serious to profound hear-
ing loss.
Hearing loss is a major public health
issue—it’s reported to be among the
most common physical condition after
arthritis and heart disease.
“Gradual hearing loss can affect
people of all ages—varying from mild to
severe symptoms,” said Archbold audiol-
ogist Althea Grey, AuD. “Hearing loss is a
sudden or gradual decrease in how well
you can hear. And depending on the
cause, conductive or sensor neural, it can
range from mild to profound.”
But not everything you might hear
about hearing loss is true.
The reality
Myth 1:
Younger people don’t have to
worry about their hearing because hearing
loss only affects “old people.”
“Actually the prevalence of hearing
loss is the reverse of what many people
think. More than half of those with hear-
ing loss are actually under age 65,” said
Dr. Grey. “So if you have any suspicions of
hearing loss, such as having to ask others
to repeat themselves or turning the TV
or radio volume higher, ask your doctor
for a referral for a hearing evaluation—
no matter what your age.”
Myth 2:
Portable music players can’t
harm hearing.
While small, today’s gadgets can still
produce harmful sounds (above 85
decibels). Dr. Grey advises to keep the
volume level below the halfway point
when listening to music.
Myth 3:
Earplugs aren’t worth the hassle.
As many as 1 in 3 people have a
hearing loss that is caused by loud noise.
“This condition is usually preventable,”
said Dr. Grey. “Custom earplugs or other
hearing protection devices should be
worn around harmful noises, such as
lawnmowers and other loud machines.
Digital ear protection should be used
with hunting or around guns for both
adults and children. Custom musician
earplugs are also a great alternative. And
step away from loud sounds whenever
you can.”
Myth 4:
Hearing aids aren’t helpful.
“Actually, a hearing aid is the treat-
ment of choice for most hearing loss,”
Dr. Grey said. “Hearing aids help from a
mild loss to a severe hearing loss. But
unfortunately, for various reasons, only a
small percentage of people who would
benefit from a hearing aid have ever
used one.”
Hear this: At Archbold, we have an expert team that
can diagnose and treat your hearing problems. Call
229.228.2400 to find out more.
Althea Grey, AuD
Audiologist
Archbold Ear, Nose, Throat
and Allergy Center
Say
what?
4 MYTHS ABOUT HEARING LOSS