Most of us have a pretty good understanding of what hearing loss is. Maybe you had a friend or family member with hearing loss, and you heard all about it. But have you wondered if everything you know about hearing loss is true? There are a few common myths about hearing loss, so we’re here to tell you what’s fact or fiction when it comes to your ears.
Fiction: Hearing Loss is Uncommon
Fact: Hearing loss is extremely common! Nearly 50 million Americans of all ages have hearing loss. Hearing loss can be caused by exposure to loud noises. That’s how most teenagers and younger adults develop hearing loss. Hearing loss is also a common part of the aging process. In fact, 50% of seniors over the age of 75 have hearing loss! Hearing loss is a lot more common than you think.
Fiction: I Only Need One Hearing Aid
Fact: Maybe – but it depends on the configuration of your hearing loss! While some people do have unilateral (single-sided) hearing loss, bilateral hearing loss is far more common. Do you have one “good” ear and one “bad” ear? The fact is that even if your hearing loss is worse in one ear, you will still need two hearing aids. Most of the time, even your good ear isn’t perfect. Your better ear also needs some help, so wearing two hearing aids is the best option for natural hearing.
Fiction: My Hearing Loss Is Still Mild
Fact: There’s no way to tell the degree of your hearing loss unless you take a hearing test! Have you decided not to get hearing aids because you only have trouble hearing certain sounds, and you can still hear relatively well? The fact is that hearing loss is exactly what you’re experiencing: having a hard time hearing certain sounds. When you have hearing loss, some sounds will still be easy to hear, and other sounds may be impossible to hear. A hearing test shows you exactly which sounds you’re missing, and your hearing health specialist will program you hearing aids to help you hear exactly those sounds.
Fiction: Hearing Aids Make Sounds Too Loud
Fact: Hearing aids are programmed to your specific hearing needs. Hearing aid technology gets better every year. And if you tried a hearing a number of years ago, or bought an inexpensive over-the-counter assistive listening device, they probably did make sounds too loud. The fact is that today’s hearing aids are amazing devices that can do some pretty incredible things. Hearing aids have background noise reduction and speech enhancement programs designed to help you tune out distractions and focus on what you want to hear. Hearing aids help you hear in every listening environment, and they won’t make sounds too loud.
Fiction: Telephone Conversations Are Impossible
Fact: Hearing loss does make it harder to talk on the phone, but your hearing aids can help with that. In fact, some great connectivity features make it easier to talk on the phone than ever before. Some Made for iPhone hearing aids can connect wirelessly to your smartphone. Then, audio from your phone will stream right to both your hearing aids! Android users can find similar Bluetooth enabled hearing aids for the same great features that make phone calls easy.
Fiction: I’ll Never Get Tinnitus Relief
Fact: There are treatment options to help alleviate tinnitus. Do you have tinnitus, that frustrating ringing or buzzing sound in your ears that doesn’t go away? Modern hearing aids can help you manage your tinnitus in a whole new way. Tinnitus sound therapy programs on your hearing aids can mask the tinnitus sounds, helping them fade into the background. With hearing aids you’ll be able to enjoy your day without worrying about tinnitus.
Fiction: I Can Buy Hearing Aids Online and Save Money
Fact: Your health is an investment, and when it comes to your well-being, you don’t want to skimp. It might be tempting to buy inexpensive hearing aids online. The fact is that these hearing aids don’t save you money. They don’t match your hearing needs, and they won’t help you hear. Usually, these hearing aids make all the sounds around you louder, and sometimes they can even make it harder to hear. Investing in quality hearing aids will save you money in the long run, and it will be a great investment in your hearing and your overall health and wellbeing.
Seeking Treatment for Hearing Loss
We’re happy to share more of the facts and fictions about hearing loss. Call us to schedule a hearing test and learn more about your hearing health and hearing needs. Together we’ll identify your hearing goals, talk about your unique hearing, and find the best hearing aid options to get you hearing clearly.