Hearing Loss: 9 Surprising Things To Know
Although we frequently take our ability to hear for granted, hearing loss is all too common. More than 5% of people worldwide suffer from hearing loss, according to the World Health Organization. This translates to more than 466 million individuals worldwide experiencing hearing impairment, and this number is projected to rise. Do not be one of the many people who wait to take action if you believe you have hearing difficulties. Get the information you need and schedule a hearing test right away.
Hearing Loss is Not Uncommon
The World Health Organization estimates that 165 million individuals globally, or one in three persons over the age of 65, have hearing loss. As a result, hearing loss is now the second most common problem worldwide.
Hearing Loss Can Lead to Cognitive Decline
Your risk of cognitive deterioration doubles if you have even the slightest degree of hearing loss. The risk increases with the severity of the condition. Your chances of successfully addressing your hearing loss increase the earlier that you get treatment.
Hearing Loss is Often a Result of Noise
Noise is the main factor that contributes to hearing loss, according to the New York Times Personal Health Blog. The volume produced by heavy traffic in a metropolitan area is 85 dB, so repeated exposure to loud noises (85 decibels or greater) can cause irreversible hearing loss.
Hearing Loss Starts with Damaged Cells
Damage of cilia, or hair cells, in the cochlea region of the ear is a common cause of hearing loss that comes with aging. The outer portion of the cochlea, which regulates high-frequency sounds like those made by the consonants f, sh, ch, p, s, and t, is where initial damage typically occurs.
Hearing Loss Can Be Expensive
Untreated hearing loss costs the world economy $750 billion, according to a report by the World Health Organization. Beyond the societal expenses, untreated hearing loss can be expensive for the individual as it is associated with reduced earnings, slower career advancement, and even unemployment.
We Continue Listening as We Sleep
Our ears, which have evolved significantly since early times, remain open and prepared to warn us to things that require our attention. In the modern world, we still rely on our hearing to warn us of danger and wake us up in the morning.
Hearing Loss is Associated with Other Illnesses
According to studies from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, having hearing loss may make you 30% more likely to have a stroke and 36% more likely to have a heart attack.
Hearing Loss is Rarely Tested
According to the Center for Hearing and Communication, only 16% of doctors perform routine hearing loss screenings.
Hearing Loss is Common in Celebrities
Numerous well-known people have battled hearing loss. Among them are Brian Wilson, Halle Berry, Thomas Edison, Barbra Streisand, and even Ludwig Van Beethoven who triumphed in spite of their hearing impairment.
Address Hearing Loss Early
Find out if you have hearing issues and whether you would benefit from hearing protection devices or hearing aids. There are online tests that can provide you with a clear indicator of how well you hear and direct you toward the right next course of action by using background noise, tone tests, and self-evaluation questions. Many tests are free, non-binding, and provide immediate feedback.