6 Myths About Hearing Aids

Most would argue that our sense of hearing and our sense of sight are the most important senses. If either of these senses weakens - especially as we age - it needs to be treated immediately. 

Anyone who receives eyeglasses, contact lenses, or Lasik surgery usually doesn’t wait until it gets so bad that it becomes irreversible.

The reason behind this is because the impact of vision loss is immediate, and it’s more obvious that it needs to be treated. The inability to drive, read, use a computer, or watch TV is serious, and it’s more evident than hearing loss.  

That’s not the case with hearing loss.

3 Reasons why Hearing Loss goes Untreated

1. Hearing loss sometimes happens gradually, so it’s not immediately noticeable unless you get a hearing test. Hearing tests are generally not automatically given to patients unless they voice concerns to their healthcare provider.

2. Another reason may be that most people don’t take it seriously. They may think, “It’s not a big deal.” 

3. Not being able to afford hearing aids is a major factor that goes into untreated hearing loss.    

6 Myths about Hearing Aids

1. “They make too many squeaking noises.” 

A squeaking noise can easily be fixed with help from your hearing instrument specialist. They can make readjustments for a better fitting hearing aid. 

2. “There is no treatment for hearing loss.”

Even though hearing loss is irreversible, you can still do something to help slow down the loss and save your brain from cognitive decline. Hearing aids can amplify sounds, and use directional/omnidirectional microphones to hear others in your surroundings. Anyone with mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss can get help with hearing aids. A professionally trained hearing instrument specialist can program your devices to hear sounds that you couldn’t without your hearing aids.

3. “My primary healthcare provider would have informed me that I have hearing loss.”

As previously mentioned, general practitioners are too busy to give patients a hearing test. So unless you mention any problems with your hearing, they won’t test your hearing. In a recent poll, 80 percent of adults over 50 stated that their doctor did not ask them about their hearing in the past two years. One-third of patients have not had their hearing tested for over a decade.
 
4. “Hearing aids are too complicated.”

The latest hearing aid technology has become more complex with advancements that make using them easier.

Rechargeable hearing aids allow users to place the hearing aids in a charger so that it eliminates the hassle of changing batteries.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and programmed sound processing technology will automatically hone in on speech and block out distracting background noises. Sounds are detected based on the direction from which it emanates, and automatic or manual adjustments can be made so that you can hear your best in any environment. 

If you are tech-savvy and prefer playing around with hearing aid features and apps, you have the freedom to do so.

If you are less tech-savvy, and simply need to put them on when you wake up and remove them before going to bed, a hearing instrument specialist can install programs and settings for you. All you need to do is wear them.    

5. “Hearing aids will make me stick out and look old.”

Even though people of all ages wear hearing aids, for some, there is still a stigma around wearing hearing aids. In today’s society, that stigma is going away:

• Just about everyone wears AirPods, earbuds, or headphones now. People usually don’t do a double-take if they notice something in your ear. 

 

• If you are still concerned about this, know that there are small and discreet hearing aids that are available for you to wear.   

 

• The perception of looking “old” is a concern among some people. You should take into consideration that the need to ask people to repeat themselves, or chances of being diagnosed with diseases that are associated with elderly people, like dementia, can actually be curtailed by wearing hearing aids.   

6. "Hearing aids are not worth the cost." 

Throughout this blog, we’ve discussed the potential strains on a person’s mental health, physical health, and overall quality of life if their hearing loss goes untreated. With time and patience, hearing aid users eventually discover life’s benefits of wearing their hearing aids on a regular basis.   
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One way to get affordable hearing aids is through Pure Sound Hearing. Contact us to schedule a free hearing test and consultation. Our providers will help you select the right hearing aids for your specific needs.  

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