Humans tend to take the same approach to their hearing as they do to their other senses: it only becomes a consideration when it’s obviously in jeopardy.
But it’s worthwhile becoming interested in your hearing long before you’re experiencing issues. After all, knowing a few things about hearing loss does more than provide interesting casual conversation; it can actively prevent the condition from materializing in the first place. In this post, we’ll run through some of the key things that it can be worthwhile knowing about hearing loss, which might just provide the information you need to keep yours in check.
It’s a Common Condition
We tend to think of hearing loss as something that affects only a small percentage of people, but actually, it’s nearly as common as bad eyesight. Some 1.5 billion people have some degree of hearing loss (2.2 billion people have impaired vision), and that number is expected to grow significantly in the next couple of decades. By 2050, it’s estimated that 2.4 billion people — or 1 in 4 people — will have hearing loss.
Part of the reason why people underestimate how many people are living with hearing loss is that many who could benefit from wearing a hearing aid do not seek treatment. In addition, hearing aids are becoming more discreet than ever, which means you may have spoken to someone wearing a hearing aid without realizing it.
It Can Be Provoked By Exposure To Loud Noises
One of the reasons why hearing loss is on the rise is that more people are being exposed to potentially damaging sounds on a more regular basis. Concerts, for example, routinely have sound levels that exceed safe levels (85dB is the threshold for safe hearing; concerts commonly reach 100 – 110dB). People often listen to music through their headphones at volumes above 85dB, which can cause damage over prolonged periods.
Genetics Can Also Play a Role
Noise-induced hearing loss accounts for a third of hearing loss cases. Aging is another major contributing factor.
One often overlooked factor, however, is genetics. There’s a growing body of research that links genetics and hearing loss, with conditions such as Usher Syndrome, Alport Syndrome, and Pendred Syndrome showing an increased risk of hearing loss. Genetically related hearing loss can present itself in childhood, at which stage speech and language support is usually required, or in later life.
It Can Happen Slowly
Hearing loss can happen suddenly, such as in the case of exposure to a loud noise, but it most commonly occurs gradually. This is one of the reasons why audiologists recommend booking a hearing test early on in life. That can help set the benchmark for the patients’ hearing, which can then be tested against during subsequent tests.
Regular testing is key to catching hearing loss early. Studies have shown that early hearing loss treatment can help to prevent the long-term consequences of untreated hearing loss, which can include depression, social isolation, increased risk of dementia, and more pronounced cognitive decline.
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