Why do people deny hearing loss?
Even though hearing loss is incredibly common throughout the country, most people suffering from hearing loss take an average of 5-7 years to actually talk to a doctor about their problem. Do people wait because they are stubborn and don’t want to get help? Do people wait because they are not sure whether or not they actually have hearing loss? There are many different complex reasons why people wait to get help, and here are some of the most common ones.
Hearing Loss Isn’t Just Flipping a Switch
Hearing loss takes place gradually over the course of many years, so most people don’t suddenly notice hearing loss is one ear. Most hearing loss happens in very small decibel increments (1-2 decibels at a time), so people don’t realize that they’ve lost a significant portion of their hearing until it’s too late to reverse the damage immediately. Many times, friends and family are the first people to realize someone is having hearing loss issues.
Hearing Loss Isn’t Comprehensive
Almost everyone suffering from hearing loss isn’t suffering from total hearing loss. This means that most people who have hearing loss only have it in certain frequencies before it becomes widespread. Most people will notice that they have hearing loss when they stop being able to hear high frequency noises. Many hearing loss sufferers will insist that people around them or on the phone need to speak up, due to the loss of their high frequency hearing abilities.
Hearing Loss Isn’t an Easy Fix
Last but not least, many people suffering from hearing loss are otherwise healthy. When people attend their annual physicals and hear that everything is fine, they put off asking about “minor” problems like hearing loss. Unfortunately, this leads to many easily treatable cases of hearing loss progressing to where more radical treatment is needed.
Hearing Loss Solutions from Bay Area Audiology
If you are concerned about hearing loss or seeking hearing evaluations, tinnitus evaluations, or hearing aid assistance, our doctors are ready to help. We are passionate about helping all of our patients improve their quality of life through better hearing. We also believe that patient education is critical, so you won’t be lead through endless sales pitches at our office. If you are interested in hearing how we can help you hear even better, contact us at (410) 838-4327 or online. For more hearing tips and articles, follow Bay Area Audiology on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.