More on hearing loss

How many Canadians have hearing loss?

According to Statistics Canada, 6 in 10 Canadians will experience some form of hearing loss at some point in their lives. Although this statistic is huge, keep in mind it includes both those diagnosed and undiagnosed with hearing loss. Hearing loss is also different from being deaf.

Why aren't people properly diagnosed?

There's a huge stigma surrounding hearing loss. Even if someone knows that they have hearing loss, they might not want to be officially diagnosed and receive the treatment they need. Many people are afraid that, with the diagnosis, they'll be perceived by family and friends as someone with a “disability”.

What are the effects of hearing loss?

Imagine you just came out of a swimming pool, and there was water stuck in your ear, causing a strong blurriness of all the sounds around you. Now imagine that feeling never went away. Communication would be far more difficult, straining relationships with friends and family. Parties, concerts, and social events would be less enjoyable. Hearing loss causes a strong sense of isolation and loneliness, often leading to declines in mental health.

How do people get hearing loss? How can I prevent it?

Hearing loss, unlike deafness, is often acquired: the accumulation of various factors over many years. The most common factor is constant exposure to loud sounds (75+ decibels), such as playing in an orchestra, listening to loud music, or regularly going to parties. Avoiding hearing loss is simple: identify the sources of loud sound in your life and protect your ears around them.