In Australia, around 3.6 million people have some level of hearing loss, and as our population ages, experts predict the number of people with a hearing impairment will double to an estimated 7.8 million by 2060.
Not limited to a grandparent that everyone yells at to turn the TV down over dinner, hearing loss is more common than you might think, yet plenty of misconceptions still surround it.
Despite it being the biggest modifiable risk for dementia and linked to many other problems such as falls and social isolation, awareness around hearing loss and what you can do about it is low.
“Hearing health is just as important as looking after your heart or other parts of your body, especially as you get older, with hearing loss affecting more people than heart disease,” explains Eleanor McKendrick, an audiologist, speech pathologist and Head of Cochlear Implant Services at NextSense, a not-for-profit organisation supporting people who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or have low vision.
Some people are born with hearing loss, and many others acquire it later in life, and it can range in severity from mild to profound, affecting one or both ears.
New research from Audika Australia found that while 84 per cent of Australians aged over 40 know that untreated hearing loss can affect mental health, only 21 per cent consider getting their hearing checked annually. What’s more, 68 per cent don’t see hearing loss as a personal health concern, and 30 per cent have never had their hearing checked at all.
“There are many different causes of hearing loss, with age, environmental noise, and genetics being common factors. Other causes can include trauma, untreated ear disease or other medical factors, some medicines and exposure to infection during pregnancy.”
Ahead, we clear up six of the biggest myths around hearing health – and what to believe instead.
Myth 1: Hearing loss only affects older people
While age-related hearing loss is common, it’s not the only cause. Noise-induced hearing loss is on the rise, especially among younger Aussies who frequently listen to music at high volumes through headphones. This means that protecting your ears from excessive noise exposure is crucial, regardless of how old you are.
“Hearing loss can affect anyone at any age, but is most common among older people, with one in three Australians over the age of 65 living with it. As part of the ageing process, hearing can decline, and the brain also processes sound less efficiently. This makes it harder to understand speech, especially in noisy places,” says Eleanor.
Myth 2: Hearing aids are big, bulky, and obvious
Technology has come a long way. Modern hearing aids are small, discreet, and some come with features like Bluetooth connectivity and noise filtering, making them more effective and easier to use than ever before.
Many models are nearly invisible and can be customised to suit an individual’s specific hearing needs. Additionally, newer devices can connect directly to smartphones and TVs, making everyday life much more convenient for those with hearing loss.
“It is really important to seek treatment early. There are fantastic tools and apps for people to monitor their own hearing and many different technologies available,” confirms Eleanor.
Myth 3: If you had hearing loss, you’d know about it
Hearing loss often develops gradually, meaning many people don’t notice it right away.
“Some key signs you might be losing your hearing include finding it difficult to make out what someone is saying over the phone or in noisy situations, having trouble distinguishing between sounds, or feeling like people are always mumbling. Your loved ones might also complain that the TV or radio is turned up too loud or notice that you often ask others to repeat themselves,” explains Eleanor.
Ignoring these early signs can lead to further complications, such as auditory deprivation, where the brain gradually loses the ability to interpret sounds due to lack of stimulation.
Myth 4: Hearing loss isn’t a big deal
Untreated hearing loss can have a huge impact on mental health, relationships, and overall wellbeing. Studies show it’s linked to social isolation, depression, and even cognitive decline, making early detection and treatment crucial.
When hearing deteriorates, communication becomes more difficult, leading to frustration and misunderstandings between family members, friends, and colleagues. Over time, this can result in social withdrawal and loneliness.
In addition, research has found a strong connection between hearing loss and an increased risk of dementia. Experts believe this may be due to the extra cognitive load required to process sound when hearing is impaired, as well as the reduced brain stimulation caused by decreased social interaction.
Myth 5: Hearing aids will fix everything
Hearing aids are an incredible tool, but they don’t restore hearing to perfect levels. Instead, they amplify sound and improve clarity, helping people engage more fully in conversations and daily life. It can take time for the brain to adjust to wearing hearing aids, particularly for those who have experienced gradual hearing loss over several years.
“For people with mild to moderate hearing loss, hearing aids can help to amplify sound. And for those with moderately severe to profound hearing loss, cochlear implants could be the best option,” says Eleanor.
Myth 6: You can’t prevent hearing loss
While some causes of hearing loss are unavoidable, many are preventable. Protecting your ears from loud noise, maintaining good ear hygiene, and getting regular hearing checks can all help preserve your hearing.
One of the simplest ways to prevent hearing loss is to be mindful of noise exposure. Experts recommend following the 60/60 rule: listening to music at no more than 60 per cent volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time. Wearing ear protection in loud environments, such as concerts or worksites, is also essential.
“Repeated exposure to noise 85 decibels or louder – about as loud as a vacuum cleaner or traffic noise – can lead to hearing damage. Loss can happen suddenly if exposed to a very loud noise, or over time, so it sometimes goes unnoticed,” warns Eleanor.
Additionally, avoiding inserting cotton buds or other objects into the ear canal can prevent damage to the delicate structures inside the ear.
How you can support a friend or family member with hearing loss
According to Eleanor, rallying around someone with hearing difficulties can make a big difference.
“Helping a loved one act on hearing loss is one of the best gifts you can give. Encourage them to seek treatment early and support them to make informed decisions and harness technologies to help improve their daily lives. There is support out there, but some people need a hand to access it.”
When communicating with someone with hearing difficulties, there are many strategies you can use to support them:
- Get their attention before speaking to them.
- Face the person when speaking to them.
- Speak clearly – not too fast and not too loud.
- Be patient if you need to clarify what you said. Try not to yell or get frustrated if you need to repeat yourself.
- If you notice signs of hearing loss, encourage them to have a hearing test.
