Whether you have experienced hearing loss or know someone who does, you’ve probably run into these statements about hearing loss and hearing aids. Maybe you’ve even said some of them yourself. We’re here to set the record straight. Here are some of the most common myths about hearing aids:
Myth: Surgery can fix most hearing loss.
Reality: If this were true, far more people would be running to take advantage of it! Whether surgery works or not depends on the type and severity of the hearing loss. The current estimate is that fewer than 10-percent of adults can have their hearing loss reversed through surgery. More hearing loss can be improved through hearing aids than through surgery.
Myth: Only old people lose their hearing.
Reality: Actually, only about 35 percent of people with hearing loss are senior citizens. While hearing loss does tend to accompany old age, people of all ages can lose their hearing for many different reasons. Assuming it only affects the elderly is incorrect.
Myth: Most hearing loss can’t be helped.
Reality: Many years ago, this may have been the case, but it is no longer true. Thanks to always-improving modern technology, it’s been estimated that almost 95 percent of people with sensorineural hearing loss can be helped with the use of hearing aids. The Miracle Ear blog explains more about hearing aids and how they can improve the lives of those with hearing loss.
Myth: You only need hearing aids if you have significant hearing loss.
Reality: Hearing aids can be helpful for people with even mild hearing loss. Although some may be able to function easily without hearing aids, there are plenty of times when even a little bit of hearing loss can be extremely difficult. Some professions largely depend on being able to hear clearly for improved communication, such as teaching, providing therapy, or practicing law. Hearing aids are not offered or refused based on the severity of the hearing loss.
Myth: Hearing aids always look awkward.
Reality: While many would say that the ability to hear clearly is well worth the price of looking awkward, it’s understandable that people may not want to stand out because of their hearing loss. Fortunately, many of today’s hearing aids are very small and fit directly inside the ear canal — a far cry from the bulky tools of yesteryear. While some types of hearing loss may require larger devices, even they are much less conspicuous than the ones your grandparents may have used.
Myth: Hearing aids make everything too loud.
Reality: This is another myth that used to be true many years ago. When hearing aids first became common, you had to turn them up to hear soft speech, and then normal conversation was too loud. Most of today’s hearing aids, though, don’t even have a volume control. They automatically adjust the amplification to just what you need, so you never have to worry about something being too loud.
Myth: Buying hearing aids online is a great idea.
Reality: Because today’s hearing aids are often specifically tuned to your degree of hearing loss, buying them online is a huge risk. You could end up with aids that are too loud, too soft, or don’t fit in your ear correctly. If you want hearing aids, visit a doctor to get the kind that’s right for you.
