Hearing loss is the fastest growing, least visible disability in the United States. About 10% of the population, or 38 million Americans have a hearing loss. Yet less than a third of Americans who have a hearing loss use hearing aids, the most typical way to effectively reduce the impact that hearing loss can and does have on one’s life. So why is this the case? There are probably many, many reasons for this, but since hearing aid technology has improved so dramatically over the past several years, the audiologists at the Center for Hearing and Communication really hope that this begins to change. Today, there is really no reason that an individual with a hearing loss can’t be fit effectively with a hearing aid.
One of the reasons that has been put forth for the under-use of hearing aids is that there is an association of hearing loss with aging, and that most people shy away from any signals that they may be aging. While it is true that the likelihood of having a hearing loss increases as you get older, there are simply more people under the age of 65 who have a hearing loss than over 65! About 1/6 of Baby Boomers have a hearing loss and as for the Generation Xer’s (ages 29-40), 1 in 14 are showing hearing loss (perhaps too much rock music?) and there are about 1.5 million children who have a hearing loss. So, does having a hearing loss mean you are old? Not really. And what is it about the aging process that has the stigma that it seems to – perhaps it signals the possibility that you are “slowing down”, “not as sharp as you once were”, not as “with it?” Well, I would argue that these “symptoms” can all easily be signs of untreated hearing loss. If you miss punch lines, you respond inappropriately to family conversations, then it can seem that you’re just not what you used to be, when in fact, maybe you simply didn’t hear.
At the Center for Hearing and Communication, we commend Mayor Bloomberg for taking care of his hearing health and trying out hearing aids. He is a true leader of the city and can be a leader in this regard as well for the vast numbers of New Yorkers who have been afraid to try hearing aids. He has started the process, and getting used to hearing aids IS a process; it takes time to adjust to their use and to achieve maximum benefit.
If you think you may have a hearing loss, please don’t wait. Get your hearing tested by a licensed audiologist, listen to the recommendations and try hearing aids if it is suggested. Whether you get hearing aids at CHC or elsewhere, schedule an appointment with them at our Listening Studio to make sure you are benefiting as much as possible. If you get hearing aids and are not happy with them, remember that in NYS you have a 45-day trial period during which time you can return hearing aids and receive most of your cost back.
Best wishes,
Laurie Hanin, Executive Director
Center for Hearing and Communication
