Hearing Loss Debunked: 5 Myths of Hearing Health
Hearing loss is more common than most people realize, yet so many misconceptions still surround it. These myths can hold people back from seeking the support they deserve. At HearCANADA, we believe in breaking down barriers and empowering people to take charge of their hearing health with confidence. Let’s debunk five of the biggest myths about hearing loss—because the truth is far more hopeful than you might think.
1. Hearing Loss Only Affects Older Adults
While hearing loss is often associated with aging, the reality is that it can affect people of all ages. Factors like exposure to loud sounds, illness, medications, and genetics can contribute to hearing loss 1, and many people are affected in their 40s and 50s. In fact, 38% of Canadians with hearing loss are between the ages of 40 and 59 2. There's also growing awareness about noise-induced hearing loss in younger generations, with 1.1 billion young people at risk according to the World Health Organization 3. The good news? No matter your age, there are plenty of ways to protect and improve your hearing health, and it’s never too early, or too late to take action!
2. Hearing Loss Doesn’t Impact Your Overall Health
The truth is, hearing loss can affect more than just your ability to hear. Untreated hearing loss is connected to cognitive decline, social isolation, and even emotional well-being 4, 5. The positive news? By addressing hearing loss early, you’re not just protecting your hearing – you’re also supporting your mental health, maintaining social connections, and enjoying a richer, more fulfilling life!
3. You Will Know if You Have Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can develop gradually, and you may not even notice it right away. Our brains are incredibly adaptable, and they can adjust to subtle changes in hearing over time 6. This makes it easy to miss early signs of hearing loss. But don’t worry – a simple hearing assessment can quickly reveal how well you’re hearing and give you the information you need to take the next positive step!
4. Hearing Devices Cure Hearing Loss
While hearing devices don’t cure hearing loss, they are incredibly effective tools that can vastly improve your quality of life. They amplify sounds, reduce background noise, and enhance communication, making it easier to engage in conversations and enjoy the world around you 6. Think of hearing devices as powerful companions that help you navigate life’s beautiful sounds with ease. They’re a vital part of managing hearing health and allow you to continue experiencing life’s joys with a renewed sense of connection.
5. You Can Leave Hearing Loss Untreated
Many people think the only downside of untreated hearing loss is simply a reduced ability to hear during that time 7, but the reality is that leaving it unaddressed can have broader consequences. Over time, the brain can forget how to process sounds and speech, making it harder to treat effectively 8. The good news is that seeking help sooner rather than later can make a world of difference. By addressing hearing loss early, you can ensure that your brain continues to receive the stimulation it needs to process sounds clearly, even as we age.
By debunking these common myths, we hope to shed light on the realities of hearing loss and encourage a more informed and compassionate approach to the topic. Whether it's seeking early intervention, understanding the effects of hearing loss, or simply being more aware, breaking down these misconceptions can lead to better outcomes for those affected. Let's continue to challenge these myths and create a more supportive environment for people with hearing challenges!
References
1. Common myths about hearing loss | Get the Truth — Hearing Health Foundation. (2025, January 21). Hearing Health Foundation. https://hearinghealthfoundation.org/common-myths
2. Unperceived hearing loss among Canadians aged 40 to 79. (2019, August 21). https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-003-x/2019008/article/00002-eng.htm
3. World Health Organization: WHO. (2019, February 12). New WHO-ITU standard aims to prevent hearing loss among 1.1 billion young people. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news/item/12-02-2019-new-who-itu-standard-aims-to-prevent-hearing-loss-among-1.1-billion-young-people
4. Hearing aid benefits and limitations. (2022, November 18). U.S FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/hearing-aids/hearing-aid-benefits-and-limitations#:~:text=Hearing%20aids%20do%20NOT%20restore,that%20may%20take%20several%20months
5. Myths & Facts. (n.d.). Hearing.org. https://www.hearing.org/myths-facts/
6. Lin, F. (2022, October 25). 5 Myths about hearing loss. AARP. https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2022/hearing-loss-myths.html
7. AuD, J. P., & AuD, J. P. (2024, April 22). Hearing aid myths debunked. Sound Relief Tinnitus & Hearing Center. https://www.soundrelief.com/hearing-aid-myths/
8. Staff, H. R., & Staff, H. R. (2009, October 21). If Hearing Loss is Not Treated, Brain Can ‘Forget’ How to Hear and Understand Speech, Says Expert. The Hearing Review. https://hearingreview.com/hearing-loss/if-hearing-loss-is-not-treated-brain-can-forget-how-to-hear-and-understand-speech-says-expert#:~:text=If%20Hearing%20Loss%20is%20Not,Says%20Expert%20%7C%20The%20Hearing%20Review
