Three Things to Know About Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids

Currently, there are more than 1.5 billion people (20% of the world’s population) who live with some form of hearing loss. When it comes to hearing loss, some people avoid treatment due to concerns about changes in health, worries about social perceptions of wearing hearing aids, or anxiety about aging. These feelings are natural but can make it easier to overlook or ignore the signs of hearing loss. The relationship between fear and denial is personal and influenced by individual experiences and beliefs. Here are three things to know about hearing loss and hearing aids.

Hearing loss can affect everyone

Hearing loss is the third most common health problem that Americans experience, right behind arthritis and heart disease. It also impacts otherwise healthy young adults and children. Consider five statistics:

• About 33% of people aged 65 and older have hearing problems.
• People with hearing loss wait an average of 7 years before seeking treatment.
• An estimated 1 in 5 American teens experience some degree of hearing loss.
• About 2-3 of every 1,000 children are born with a hearing problem in one or both ears.
• 12.5 percent of kids between the ages of 6 and 19 have hearing loss because of listening to loud music, possibly through earbuds at unsafe volumes.

Hearing loss is a growing health crisis affecting people of all ages. Removing the stigma around hearing loss is key in helping people receive the help they need.

Hearing loss can Impact quality of Life

Hearing loss is common in the United States. More people have hearing loss than diabetes, cancer or vision trouble. The effects often start small and grow over time impacting your social life, causing stress, depression, and anxiety. Untreated hearing loss can also lead to cognitive decline and may result in memory loss and comprehension difficulties. Over time, struggling to hear and understand conversations, especially in noisy environments, can be mentally draining. When hearing loss goes untreated, our brains have to work harder to make sense of the sounds around us. This extra mental effort can lead to increased brain fatigue, impacting overall energy levels and cognitive functioning.

Hearing aids are not cost prohibitive

One reason people don’t use hearing aids is the fear that they can’t afford the devices or that they require visiting a physician, audiologist, or hearing care professional. In August 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration created a new category of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids for adults. These devices are available without a medical exam, prescription, or fitting by a hearing professional. These hearing devices are available at a reduced costs that range from $200 to $1,000. Experts say to look for appliances labeled “self-fitting,” which means they were used in clinical trials that show that self-fitting OTC hearing aids can provide outcomes comparable to professionally fitted devices for many adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. Also, look for packaging that says “over-the-counter hearing aid,” which means it complies with the FDA regulations.

Hearing loss can impact your overall health, social life, and safety, and early detection allows for timely intervention and management. If you or a loved one is struggling to understand conversations, especially in noisy environments, frequently asks people to repeat themselves, needs to turn up the volume on TVs or other devices, or experiences a ringing or buzzing in your ears, you should visit a hearing professional and take steps to improve your health. There is no reason to be embarrassed or delay seeking treatment; take the steps to improve your hearing and overall health today.

Sources and References:
World Health Organization: Hearing Loss and the Role of Health Care Providers
HearingLoss.org: Hearing Loss Facts and Statistics
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Measuring the Impact of Hearing Loss on Quality of Life
GoodRX – Hearing Aids: How Much do Prescription and Over-the-Counter Devices Cost?
U.S. Food and Drug Administration: OTC Hearing Aids: What You Need to Know
CVS: How to Shop for Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids