8 Common Myths About Hearing Aids and Hearing Loss
Did you know that nearly 40% of adults aged 20 to 79 in Canada have hearing loss? (1). People with hearing loss may find it increasingly difficult to have conversations with friends and family on a daily basis, or they may have trouble hearing doorbells and alarms.
However, a lot of people may not be aware or want to admit that they are having trouble hearing. According to Statistics Canada, 55% of men and 41% of women aged between 40 and 79 in Canada are unaware that they have hearing loss (2). Hearing problems should not be ignored as they can get worse if untreated. It’s important to seek your doctor’s advice as soon as possible if you’re experiencing the following symptoms of hearing loss:
- Trouble hearing over the phone
- Difficulty following conversations in a group setting
- Often asking people to repeat what they said
- Having trouble hearing when there is background noise
If you are experiencing hearing loss, your doctor may suggest you get a hearing aid. Hearing aids are electronic devices that work to amplify sounds using sophisticated digital circuitry. There are many different types of hearing aids and it’s important to discuss available options with a specialist to ensure you find the right one for you.
Unfortunately, there are still many misconceptions about hearing loss that can be misleading and discourage people from seeking the treatment that they need. Here are the top eight myths, debunked.
1. Hearing loss happens to older people only
While hearing loss is often associated with the older population, it can affect people of all ages. Loud noise, such as improper use of earbuds, frequent loud concerts, or construction work, is one of the most common causes of hearing loss and can be easily prevented by using earplugs or other forms of ear protection (3).
Hearing loss can also be a result of other health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, brain injury, or even viruses and bacteria.
2. My hearing loss isn’t that bad, I don’t need a hearing aid
Unfortunately, hearing loss can be a slow and progressive condition for most people. For this reason, the sooner you address your hearing problem, the better chance you have to re-learn how to process and manage sounds.
3. My doctor monitors my hearing
Most doctors do not check for hearing loss in a physical exam. Plus, those with mild hearing loss can usually hear fine in quieter settings, such as a clinic or doctor’s office, which makes it difficult for a physician to identify a hearing problem. That’s why it’s important to get a baseline hearing exam and seek treatment if you notice any changes in your hearing.
4. Hearing aids can cure hearing loss
Just as prescription glasses do not cure short-sightedness, hearing aids are not a cure for hearing loss. However, hearing aids do improve hearing abilities effectively and can therefore drastically enhance your quality of life.
5. Hearing aids make all sounds too loud
It’s true that older hearing aids can amplify all noises and make it difficult to keep the volume comfortable. However, most modern hearing aids now have digital signal processing which allows the audiologist to customize the hearing aid to your specific needs. (4).
6. Hearing aids will affect my appearance
It’s understandable that you may be concerned about how hearing aids can affect your appearance. Luckily, modern hearing aids are tiny and can even be worn inside the ear, making them practically invisible while still being comfortable. There are many hearing aid styles and our team of Hearing Instrument Specialists at Hearing Solutions is here to help find one that is suitable for you.
7. My hearing will get worse with a hearing aid
Like anything new, adjusting to your new hearing aids can take time. In the beginning, you may find that you can hear sounds that you have not heard in a long time or background noises can seem louder than usual. Even your own voice may sound louder.
Try getting used to your hearing aids by wearing them a few hours at a time under less stressful situations, for example at home with just the TV on or with one other person in the room with you (6).
8. Buying a hearing aid online will save you money and time
Buying your hearing aids online may save you some money but you will be missing out on the quality care that only an audiologist can provide. An audiologist will help you evaluate your hearing, adjust and program the hearing aid to your needs, evaluate the hearing aids’ effectiveness and fit, offer follow-up care, and more! (5).
At Hearing Solutions, we are dedicated to providing first-class services for our valued patients. Our team of registered audiologists and Hearing Instrument Specialists are experienced and equipped to provide a full range of hearing healthcare services, including hearing evaluations and comprehensive hearing aid fittings. Make an online appointment here or give us a call at 1-888-811-9799 to take care of your hearing health today.
Bibliography
1. Government of Canada, Statistics Canada. (2021, October 20). Hearing Health of Canadian Adults. Retrieved August 23, 2022, from https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-627-m/11-627-m2021077-eng.htm
2. National Institute on Aging. (n.d.). Hearing Loss: A Common Problem for Older Adults. Retrieved August 23, 2022, from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-loss-common-problem-older-adults#:~:text=Health%20conditions%20common%20in%20older,may%20also%20affect%20your%20hearing.
3. Oticon. (n.d.). Five hearing loss myths debunked. Retrieved August 23, 2022, from https://www.oticon.com/blog/five-hearing-loss-myths-debunked
4. Prutsman, J. (2020, August 31). Hearing aid myths debunked. Retrieved August 23, 2022, from https://www.soundrelief.com/hearing-aid-myths/
5. Sophisticated Hearing. (n.d.) 6 common myths about hearing aids. Retrieved August 23, 2022, from https://sophisticatedhearing.com/6-common-myths-about-hearing-aids/
6. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. (n.d.). Hearing aid myths and facts. Retrieved August 23, 2022, from https://www.stjude.org/treatment/patient-resources/caregiver-resources/patient-family-education-sheets/rehabilitation/hearing-aid-myths-and-facts.html
