World Hearing Day: Changing Mindsets

• Untreated hearing loss is a risk factor for serious and costly health conditions, including depression, dementia, injury-causing falls and heart attack or stroke. 
• Over a decade, older adults who had untreated hearing loss incurred a total of $22,434 in extra healthcare costs versus individuals with no hearing loss, according to a Johns Hopkins study [3].
• The same study revealed that people with untreated hearing loss experienced approximately 50% more hospital stays and had a 44% higher risk for readmission within 30 days.

• People who have difficulty hearing are significantly more likely to experience an accident related to driving, work, leisure activities or sports, compared to individuals with excellent hearing. 
• Hearing-impaired employees can’t communicate effectively with coworkers, and they may not hear alarms and other warning signals, potentially placing themselves and others in danger. 
• Hearing loss is associated with lower earnings — by as much as $30,000 annually, according to a Better Hearing Institute study — and it can add stress to the body and mind. [4]

Avoiding hearing loss should be your first priority. Fortunately, certain hearing loss risk factors, especially exposure to excessive noise, can be minimized. Following are some of the steps you can take to reduce your risk of hearing loss: 

• Keep a safe distance from loud sounds (85 decibels or higher) 
• Use hearing protection if loud sounds cannot be avoided 
• Listen to music at a safe volume (no more than 60% of maximum volume) 
• If possible, avoid medications that can damage hearing (check with your physician first) 
• Prevent or control type 2 diabetes, a proven risk factor for hearing loss
• Quit smoking, which research has linked to hearing loss

Preventing exposure to excessive noise, one of the leading causes of hearing loss, is easier than ever with the availability of decibel meter apps for iOS and Android smartphones. 

If you have hearing loss, the longer it goes untreated, the more it interferes with your communication abilities and overall quality of life. As mentioned earlier, untreated hearing loss also increases the risk of depression, dementia and injury-causing falls. Be proactive with your hearing health:

• Ask your physician about a simple hearing screening when you go in for a routine physical exam or preventive visit. You probably already go to regular dental and vision exams. Hearing loss affects approximately 15% of American adults and should be taken just as seriously.
• Make an appointment with a hearing health care provider if you suspect hearing loss. How do you know if you need help? Take a free and guided online virtual hearing screening. While it doesn’t replace a professional diagnosis, it will help you decide if you need go in for a professional hearing evaluation.