May is Better Hearing Month!

Let’s Celebrate by Breaking the Silence and Addressing the Stigma of Hearing Loss and the Importance of Hearing Tests

Even though hearing loss affects 3 in 5 adults in Canada1, there are still a lot of misconceptions and myths surrounding hearing loss that can hinder understanding and treatment.

MythBusters in Hearing Loss:

1. Only older people experience hearing loss: While it is true that hearing loss is more common among older adults, it can affect people of all ages. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, around 1.1 billion young people worldwide are at risk of hearing loss due to exposure to loud sounds, including music. 2
2. Hearing loss is always caused by loud noise exposure: While exposure to loud noise is a common cause of hearing loss, it is not the only cause. Other factors, including aging, genetics, infections, medications, and diseases can also contribute to hearing loss.
3. Hearing loss only affects the ability to hear sounds: Hearing loss can affect more than just the ability to hear sounds. It can also impact speech recognition, making it difficult to understand words and follow conversations. Additionally, hearing loss can lead to social isolation, depression and cognitive decline if left untreated.
4. If I can hear some sounds my hearing is fine: Hearing loss is not an all-or-nothing condition. People often perceive early hearing loss as “They can hear but not understand” speech. In fact, hearing loss often starts with difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds, such as the voices of women and children, before progressing to difficult hearing lower-pitched sounds.
5. There is nothing that can be done about hearing loss: While there is no cure for hearing loss, there are many treatment options available to manage the condition. Hearing aids, cochlear implants, accessories that boost hearing in challenging listening environments, and communication strategies can all help people with hearing loss lead a fulfilled and active life.
6. Hearing aids will make hearing loss worse: Hearing aids are designed to improve hearing and help people with hearing loss communicate better. They do not make hearing loss worse. In fact, wearing hearing aids can improve communication, socialization, and overall quality of life for people with hearing loss.

The Importance of Getting Your Hearing Tested

Early detection of hearing loss is vital for effective management and treatment. Regular hearing tests can help identify issues before they become severe, allowing for timely intervention. Here are a few reasons why getting your hearing tested is so important:

1. Improved Communication: Identifying hearing loss early can lead to better communication strategies and the use of hearing aids or assistive devices, enhancing your ability to connect with others.
2. Social-emotional well-being: Untreated hearing loss can contribute to feelings of depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Addressing hearing loss can improve mental well-being and overall quality of life. 5
3. Cognitive well-being: Research has shown a link between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline. Treating hearing loss in older adults who are at risk for cognitive decline can slow loss of memory abilities. 4
4. Physical well-being: Hearing is crucial for awareness of your surroundings. Detecting and treating hearing loss can enhance your safety, especially in environments where hearing is essential. 5
   

Breaking the Silence

To combat the stigma of hearing loss, we must foster a culture of acceptance and support. Here are a few ways to help break the silence:

• Educate: Spread awareness about the realities of hearing loss and the importance of early detection. Share information with friends, family, and your community.

• Support: Offer support to those with hearing loss by being patient, understanding, and encouraging them to seek help.

• Advocate: Advocate for better access to hearing healthcare services and promote policies that support individuals with hearing loss

This May, let’s come together to break the silence surrounding hearing loss. By addressing the stigma and emphasizing the importance of hearing tests, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone. Remember, hearing health is an essential part of overall well-being, and it’s never too early or too late to get your hearing tested.

1. Statistics Canada (2022). World Hearing Day. https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/476-world-hearing-day
2. World Health Organization (2015). 1.1 billion people are at risk for hearing loss. https://www.who.int/vietnam/news/detail/10-03-2015-1.1-billion-people-at-risk-of-hearing-loss
3. Tikka C, Verbeek JH, Kateman E, Morata TC, Dreschler WA, Ferrite S. (2017). Interventions to prevent occupational noise-induced hearing loss. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 7. Art. No.: CD006396. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006396.pub4
4. Lin et al. (2023, July 17) Hearing intervention versus health education control to reduce cognitive decline in older adults with hearing loss in the USA (ACHIEVE): A multicentre randomised controlled trial. DOI: https://doi/org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01406-X
5. Vercammen, C., Ferguson, M., Kramer, S.E., Meis, M., Singh, G., Timmer, B.,... & Pelosi, A,. (2020) Well-Hearing is Well-Being, Hearing Review, 27(3), 18-22. Retrieved March 25, 2021 from https://www.hearingreview.com/hearing-poss/patient-care/counselling-education/well-hearing-is-well-being