Hearing Aids: Debunking Common Myths

Do you have hearing loss? You may not even know it. Hearing loss often develops so gradually over years, making it a challenge to self-diagnose, until it’s become severe enough to struggle to hear even in the most ideal of listening environments. While there is no cure for hearing loss, it can be treated effectively using hearing aids. These highly advanced digital amplifiers can be programmed based on your hearing exam to amplify only the sounds you need, while allowing you to hear the rest with your existing hearing. This contributes to a truly natural seeming amplification experience.

When you invest in hearing aids most people report improved communication with loved ones at home, increased confidence when out and about, improved cognitive functioning and a lower risk of falls and accidents due to missing important environmental sound cues. However, of those 70 and older who could benefit from hearing aids, only 30 percent have ever tried them. Many people are resistant to trying hearing aids because of myths and misconceptions. Here are some common myths and the truth- to empower you to act around improved hearing in your life.

Myth: Hearing aids make you look old. 
Fact: hearing loss is commonly regarded as a condition which only affects the elderly. While hearing loss is increasingly more common as we age, it can and will affect anyone at any age due to unsafe listening practices, or a wide range of causes. Hearing aids will make it easier for you to hear the people around you, making it possible to try new things, and respond to others with confidence. What may be a more common association with age are the effects of ignoring a hearing loss. Feelings of being confused during conversation, seeming disinterested, distracted or having to ask others to repeat themselves are more common associations with being elderly. Invest in feeling younger and more active with hearing aids!

Myth: Wearing one hearing aid is enough
Fact: We have two ears for a reason. Hearing with two ears is called binaural hearing and it helps us locate sound. When sound comes from the right our right ear picks it first, cuing our brain to the sounds location, proximity and approaching speed. When hearing loss occurs, it’s common for it to be worse in one ear, more than the other. However, many people make the mistake that because one ear still hears well that they won’t need to amplify the other. For one thing, unilateral hearing—hearing in only one ear is rare. More commonly, one ear is worse than the other, but both have hearing loss. When you hear with unilateral hearing, when sounds come from the direction of the ear with worst hearing, it can create what is known as a head shadow, which muffles the sounds. However, with the use of two hearing aids, you won’t encounter this issue.

Myth: Buying hearing aids online will save you money and time
Fact: Many people see the price of online hearing aids and just can’t resist the idea of saving money. We love saving money and we are here to do that for you. You may feel as if you are saving money by choosing a cheaper hearing aid online. However, online hearing aids don’t provide a hearing test and consultation. You are likely to end up with a pair of hearing aids which don’t amplify specifically to your hearing needs and this can cause continued communication issues. You may find you don’t get as long of a time with your hearing aids or they don’t amplify in all the ways you need them to.

When you visit an audiologist it includes:

• Comprehensive hearing evaluation
• Hearing aid evaluation
• Hearing aid fitting
• Instructions in how to use and care for the hearing aid

Myth #6: My family doctor would have mentioned something if I had hearing loss
Fact: Unfortunately hearing loss often goes ignored and underestimated in most family doctor offices. It is up to you to take a stand and address hearing loss. If you frequently work or play in noisy settings, have a family history of hearing loss or are over the age of 60, we recommend annual hearing exams to detect a hearing loss before it becomes worse! Contact us today to schedule your next hearing exam.