When it comes to our health, many Americans have two realities: what we know and what we think we know. When what we think we know is less than accurate, it can be as harmful to our health as the things we don’t know at all. Perceptions about hearing loss are a good example of this phenomenon.

You may think you already know a lot about hearing loss and treatment, but some of the facts surrounding this prevalent problem – for instance that, according to the Better Hearing Institute (BHI), 11 percent of Americans report having hearing difficulties – could surprise you. Here are some realities that may make you reconsider what you think you know about your hearing, what puts it at risk and what you can do if you suffer a hearing loss:

Surprising fact No.1 – Not everyone who has hearing loss is old. In fact, most people with hearing problems (65 percent) are younger than 65, BHI reports. And, more children and teenagers are experiencing hearing loss. Nearly one in five American teens now has some level of hearing loss, according to a 2010 study by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

While you may think the volume dial on Johnny’s iPod is directly related to his hearing problems, there’s more to the story, researchers say. Which leads to the next fact.