Suffering from hearing loss still has a stigma attached to it that deters many people with slight to mild hearing loss from seeking treatment. Unfortunately, recent studies have shown that people with mild hearing loss are twice as likely to develop dementia compared to those with normal hearing. After reading the statistics, it becomes overly clear how important it is to change the stigmas regarding hearing loss and get the help you need.

Hearing Loss is More Common Than You May Think

It is estimated that around 50 million Americans suffer from hearing loss. While you may think that these individuals are in their golden years, that's simply not the case. Around one in every five teenagers suffers from some type of hearing loss. Additionally, a whopping 60% of foreign war veterans return with hearing impairment. Hearing loss is a condition that affects all citizens regardless of their age or gender.

What is the Current Stigma About Hearing Loss?

When you suffer from hearing loss, it becomes much easier to pick up on people's stigma regarding hearing loss. These statements can range widely. A widespread stigma is that hearing loss only affects the older generation. Another stigma is that those with hearing loss are not worth the extra time to communicate with.

If you zoom out for a minute and take a look at other health problems, the same stigmas don't exist. For example, wearing glasses doesn't have much stigma attached to them anymore as many people wear them. So, why allow the current stigmas regarding hearing loss to remain in our culture?

Why is it Crucial to Break the Stigmas?

The sad truth is that many people who experience hearing loss won't seek treatment for fear of judgment by others. The reality is that by removing the current stigmas surrounding hearing loss, we can create a more comfortable environment for people to seek help when they need it.

Unfortunately, changing the stigmas about hearing loss requires more than just changing people's perspectives. Today's stigmas have contributed to the various laws regarding what health insurance covers and what they don't. Typically, hearing aids are not covered by most health insurance providers.

However, getting corrective lenses usually is. By better informing the public and lawmakers about the impending conditions associated with untreated hearing loss, we can work together to change the laws regarding insurance coverage and hearing aids.

Tips For Overcoming the Stigmas Surrounding Hearing Loss

Today, you can take a personal stand against this stigma surrounding hearing loss. Start by getting your hearing tested as part of your annual medical screening. At the same time, encourage your friends and family members to do the same. If you discover that you have hearing loss, opt to get the proper treatment. Visiting an audiologist and getting the right hearing aids to match your hearing loss are crucial to your future health.

Once you get your hearing aids, make sure to use them regularly. When you show other people that you're okay with getting hearing aids to correct your medical condition, it helps to debunk the stigma surrounding it.

Call Us Today

If you believe that you're suffering from hearing loss, it's time to do something about it. Contact our hearing care specialists to schedule your free evaluation today!