The country has been coming to some groundbreaking realizations and revelations when it comes to hearing loss.
The outdated stigmas that people might have previously associated with this living condition are no longer relevant or accurate. Katherine Bouton is one of the many trusted professionals who have spoken and wrote about this pressing issue.
Bouton understands from her firsthand experiences. As she explained in this article, “Many factors contribute to the stigma, but perhaps the biggest one is that we don’t talk about it enough.
When confronting a possible hearing loss, people deny it, hide it, ignore it, or blame it on the situation; anything but acknowledge it and talk about it.” It is a perspective and mindset that could radicalize the hearing loss community and navigate the world.
After all, if hearing loss were more normalized, maybe so many people wouldn’t find these statistics so shocking.
Hearing Loss in America
Worldwide, communities are still learning how to serve best and assist people living with hearing loss.
However, when in doubt, it is always helpful to turn to the data, and some people may be surprised at what they see. When looking at the USA, hearing loss is the third most common health problem in the country.
It is even more popular than diabetes or cancer. This is the reality of the current times, yet so many people are still uneducated and ignorant about this topic.
With so many people affected by hearing loss, it is time to finally put any old stigmas to rest and start taking action.
How Can You Be Proactive When It Comes to Hearing Loss?
Taking a look at the statistics, on average, about 2-3 children are born with a noticeable hearing loss. However, what many people may not realize is, “Approximately one in three people in the United States between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing.”
Normalizing hearing loss is one of the first steps. Still, the other essential component of taking on this dilemma is encouraging people everywhere to continue to get physicals and have their hearing checked.
Some people might be unaware of the dangerous correlation between high cholesterol and hearing loss, but it is a real threat.
By having more people openly discuss hearing loss; hopefully, people will realize yearly physicals are one of the best ways to stay on top of this.
Supporting the Hearing Loss Communities
Additional health costs, increased risk of depression, and cognitive decline are just a few of the risks that could come with hearing loss, but it doesn’t have to be this way.
Scheduling a physical or beginning a conversation about hearing loss are just a few ways to support your health and the health of others.
If you or a loved one is experiencing hearing loss signs, contact me to see how we can help.
Given the world’s current state, I have extra safety precautions in place to keep my patients safe & healthy.
In addition, patients may schedule a tele-audiology appointment.
