Hearing Loss Myths Debunked

Hearing loss is strongly associated with age. As per the 2002 National Survey Sample, hearing disability was the second most common cause of disability after locomotor disability[1]. 10% of all the cases of auditory impairment in India are age-related[1]². Also, more than 50% of all the people who have hearing loss reported the onset of hearing disability at or after 60 years of age[1]³.

However, these statistics don’t give an accurate picture of the day-to-day difficulties faced by such individuals. We need to put ourselves in the shoes of a hearing impaired person to understand the detrimental effects of hearing loss fully.

An adult with hearing loss cuts herself off from social interactions as she cannot follow the conversations. If she is retired and home-bound, then radio or television is her main source of connecting with the outside world. But she can’t turn up the volume as that disturbs the rest of the family. She starts becoming dependent on her family and loses her confidence. She grows distant from her family, especially her beloved grandchildren. Ultimately, the person suffers from a debilitating depression and a decline in her mental abilities.

Cochlear implants are now commonly implanted in the elderly in India. These cochlear implant recipients are now living full independent retired life – travelling around the country, contributing to society and participating fully in family functions.

However, there still are a few misconceptions about hearing loss and cochlear implantation in the elderly:

1. Hearing loss is normal at my age.Hearing loss is not ‘normal’ at any age. No matter how old or young a person is, hearing is still an important sense to have.

2. Since I stay at home, I can “manage” without hearing a lot.Even if you stay at home, hearing loss cuts you off from your family. You may feel isolated and depressed. Also, elderly in India are increasingly leading active lives.

3. Why should my family spend so much money on a cochlear implant? The same amount of money can be saved for my grandchild’s education.

You are an important part of the family. Your well-being is as important to your family as the education of the children.