More than 48 million Americans are affected by some degree of hearing loss. Signs of hearing loss are:
In adults…
- Difficulty hearing in noisy places
- Asking people to repeat themselves
- Turning up the volume louder than others need it
In childern…
- Is not startled by loud noises
- Does not turn toward sound sources
- Unclear speech
- Doesn’t follow directions
Only one in five people who has hearing loss is treating it with a hearing device.
Only one in five people who has hearing loss is treating it with a hearing device. Adults also wait an average of seven years before seeking help for their hearing loss. Untreated hearing loss not only affects a person’s quality of life, it also affects mental and physical health. Studies have shown that untreated hearing loss in adults can lead to:
- Depression
- Social isolation or withdrawal
- Irritability, anger, anxiety
- Reduced job performance
- Cognitive decline
- Reduced alertness
- Lowered personal safety
- Higher risk of dementia
Though it is often associated with growing old, hearing loss can affect all age groups, even newborns. In fact, 65 percent of people with hearing loss are younger than 65 years old. Children can be born with hearing loss and it can also develop after birth. If hearing loss is left untreated in children, it can have developmental consequences that include:
- Delayed speech
- Isolation
- Low self-esteem
- Learning difficulties
- Behavioral problems
The path to treating hearing loss for every person begins with a simple hearing screening. If you or someone you care for is showing signs of hearing loss, please contact our office at (818) 859-7730 to schedule a hearing test.
