Hearing Loss What You Need To Know
Up to one in five adults and one in five teenagers in America suffer from some form of hearing loss and in many instances using a hearing aid can help. The number of United States residents with hearing loss doubled between 2000 and 2015. In fact, there are over 15 million Americans with hearing loss who have not sought out help. Many people who could benefit from such assistive listening devices, do not use them. Only 16% of 20 to 69 year olds and 30% of the 70 plus group who need such devices actually use hearing aids.
Seven years is the average amount of time a person with some form of hearing loss waits before getting help. For a child even mild hearing damage or loss can negatively impact his or her academic progress, with as much as half of all classroom discussion being lost. Of every 1,000 children born in the United States, two or three will have some form of detectable hearing loss, whether in one or both ears. In addition, exposure to loud noises over a period of time can also damage hearing; there are over 26 million Americans aged 20 to 69 with high frequency hearing loss caused by such exposure at work or during leisure time.
A hearing aid can dramatically improve quality of life for those with hearing impairment, but many suffers are afraid of having tests done and of using the devices that can help them. Some may worry about using a hearing aid and how easy it is to use and maintain. Concerns about hearing aid batteries, for example, might be an issue. A long life or rechargeable hearing aid battery can increase the use of your hearing aid so you need rarely have to worry about them running out of charge and leaving you without your hearing aid. A smaller hearing aid battery lasts between three and seven days, while a larger hearing aid battery can last as long as ten days. The smaller a battery, the less power it holds. Others may worry about the stigma of using a hearing aid, but digital hearing aids have become smaller and less noticeable, making it easier to integrate into your life without it being visible.
Hearing loss is not the only form of hearing problem. Tinnitus, for example, which is a ringing in the ears, can greatly effect your life, with many sufferers reporting depression as a result. There are more than 50 million Americans with Tinnitus and more than 10% have it regularly. Your hearing is a valuable resource and one that should not be taken for granted. Ensuring that you have your hearing tested and address any issues early on can ensure that the impact on your quality of life is minimized. It is also important to protect your ears from loud noises and avoid using head phones at high volumes regularly.
