10 Things You Should Know About Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is a lot more common than most people realize. It can affect anyone, at any age. At HEAR Wisconsin, we believe that understanding your hearing health is one of the most important steps you can take to protect it. Whether you're starting to notice changes yourself or supporting someone you care about, here are ten things worth knowing:
1. Hearing loss is common and growing.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of February 2025, 5% of the world’s population has hearing loss. That’s over 430 million people worldwide, including 34 million children. That number is expected to grow to over 700 million by 2050. Noise exposure from headphones, loud work environments, concerts, and even everyday life are a big part of why hearing loss is becoming more widespread.
2. It’s not just about volume, it’s about clarity.
Many people with hearing loss don’t say, “I can’t hear.” Instead, they say, “I can hear you, but I can’t understand you.” That’s because hearing loss often affects specific pitches or speech sounds, making conversations sound mumbled or unclear, especially when there’s background noise.
3. Hearing loss can affect your brain.
When your hearing is no longer picking up all the sounds it used to, your brain works overtime trying to fill in the blanks. Over time, that extra effort can lead to memory trouble, mental fatigue, and even a higher risk of dementia, especially when hearing loss goes untreated.
4. It impacts more than just your hearing.
When hearing gets harder, people often start to pull back from conversations, phone calls, and social situations. That isolation can lead to anxiety, frustration, and depression. Treating hearing loss is about more than better hearing; it’s about staying connected to the people and moments that matter most.
5. Noise exposure is a big cause and it’s preventable.
Loud environments such as concerts, power tools, and headphones with the volume too high can cause permanent hearing damage. However, simple steps like using ear protection and turning down the volume can make a big difference.
6. Children are affected, too.
Roughly 15% of school-aged children have hearing loss in at least one ear. Even mild hearing loss can impact speech development, classroom learning, and social skills, which is why early screenings are so important.
7. Most people wait too long to get help.
According to the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), it takes the average person 7 years from the time someone notices changes in their hearing ability to when they seek treatment. That’s a long time to miss out on conversations, connections, and quality of life, especially when help is so accessible.
8. Hearing aids have come a long way.
Today’s hearing aids are nothing like the clunky devices of decades past. They’re smaller, smarter, and packed with features like Bluetooth, noise filtering, and automatic volume adjustments. Many are nearly invisible, too.
9. Not all hearing loss is permanent.
Some types of hearing loss, like those caused by earwax buildup, fluid, or infection, may be temporary and treatable. That’s why it’s so important to get a professional evaluation instead of assuming the worst.
10. You don’t have to figure this out on your own.
Whether you're just starting to notice changes or you’ve been struggling for years, HEAR Wisconsin is here to help. Our team of licensed Doctor’s of Audiology offer compassionate, personalized care to meet you where you are and help you hear your life more clearly.
If you’ve been putting off a hearing check, there’s no better time than now.
If you feel like you are struggling to hear, or have concerns about your hearing health, our Audiology Team at HEAR Wisconsin is here to help. Give us a call 414-604-7219 to schedule your hearing evaluation today.