Why Do So Many People Have Untreated Hearing Loss? | Hearing Health Awareness Month

by | 08/03/2020 | FAQ's, Hearing Health, Hearing Loss, Patient Resources

The team at All About Hearing feels privileged to offer communities in Midland, Texas life-changing advanced hearing care services.

But unfortunately, not everyone seeks help at the right time.

Researchers at John Hopkins University have shown, on average, patients wait ten years to speak to a specialist, while their hearing loss worsens.

As it’s Hearing Health Awareness Month, these are some of the things that might be holding you or a loved one back from taking a huge step forward.

“Do I have a Hearing Loss?”

One of the reasons why people don’t seek attention during the early stages of a hearing loss is because it often occurs gradually without them knowing.

Instead, family members are often the first to pick up on the early symptoms.

These include basic behavioral changes like turning the TV volume up louder than normal, asking others to repeat themselves, and having trouble talking when there’s background noise.

But as someone’s hearing deteriorates, they’re also likely to stay away from social occasions, which can feel troublesome.

If you know someone who is showing signs of a hearing loss, it’s important they speak to a specialist as soon as possible.

Once treated, they can get back to being themselves again.

“People Will View Me Differently”

Another reason why people wait for years to treat a hearing loss is that they’re worried about how others will perceive them after diagnosis.

This links back to the historic stigma surrounding people with a hearing loss, which many can remember from their childhood.

But today, as the risks become far more well known, many people are seeking help and dispelling past prejudices in the process.

This is true both among those who’ve had long, exciting lives and younger folks, as modern lifestyle choices make hearing loss increasingly likely.

Now is the right time to reappraise your opinion of hearing care treatment.

“I’ve Heard That it’s Expensive”

A further reason why people let their hearing loss worsen over time is that they worry about the level of investment required for treatment.

But you may be interested to find out that, like most forms of technology, hearing aids have dropped in price over the last decade and deliver excellent value for money.

In addition, more and more healthcare insurance providers will cover some, or all, of your treatment costs.

The All About Hearing team works hard to find solutions for everyone. So let them know your needs, and they’ll secure an investment level that’s right for you.

Are you concerned about a hearing loss or know someone who is? Contact the team at All About Hearing now. They’re ready to assist you!

Do you know somebody that needs to see this? Why not share it?

Leah Guempel, Au.D., CCC-A

Dr. Leah Guempel received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Disorders in 2007 and her doctorate from the University of Texas in 2010. While in graduate school, Dr. Guempel was named outstanding first year graduate student in Audiology and Sertoma outstanding graduate student in Audiology. During graduate school, Dr. Guempel had several clinical rotations she completed throughout Austin including rotations at Dell Children’s Hospital and an ENT practice. Dr. Guempel also had a rotation at Cook Hearing & Balance as a student clinician, and after completing her 4th year rotation there, worked as a Doctor of Audiology in the Austin and Cedar Park locations. Dr. Guempel became the audiologist at the Cook Hearing & Balance office in San Marcos when it opened September of 2011. In December of 2012, Dr. Guempel bought Cook Hearing & Balance in San Marcos and renamed it Central Texas Hearing Center. She then opened the Central Texas Hearing Center in Lakeway, Texas. Dr. Guempel is licensed to practice Audiology in the State of Texas. She is a Fellow of the American Academy (AAA) and holds a certificate of clinical competence in Audiology from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Dr. Guempel has a passion for hearing awareness. She enjoys her field of practice and hopes to inform and educate the community about the importance of early detection and the use of hearing protection. She is dedicated to helping those who suffer from hearing impairment. In her free time, Dr. Guempel enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and anything outdoors.

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It’s often the small questions and concerns that hold us back from making positive decisions – especially when it comes to your hearing health.

That’s why we offer no-obligation friendly calls to help answer those questions, whether on behalf of yourself or a loved one.

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