6 COMMON MYTHS ABOUT HEARING AIDS

Information may not be reliable

Hearing aids are used to improve hearing loss and their technology continues to get better. However, if you’re still hesitant whether they can help you, it’s possible your worries are based on outdated information. The truth is modern hearing aids are highly comfortable, quiet and effective at improving hearing loss. Here are 5 common hearing aid myths:

Myth #1: Hearing aids make you look old. 
Fact: While we understand you may be concerned about how hearing aids will affect your appearance, modern hearing aids are tiny and can be worn inside the ear. This makes them comfortable and practically ‘invisible’. Out of the many available types, you won’t have a problem choosing one that is suitable for you.

Myth #2: Only elderly people are affected by hearing loss
Fact: Hearing loss can affect people of all ages. Approximately 1 in 5 people over the age of 12 have hearing loss that impedes their communication. In fact, figures by the Better Hearing Institute reveal that 65% of people with hearing loss are under the age of 65. So regardless of your age group, hearing loss can impact you.

Myth #3: Wearing one hearing aid is enough
Fact: We hear better when we are using both our ears. Thus, binaural (two-eared) hearing aids offer the best hearing results by helping us to localize sounds so we can hear better in noisy environments. They also help to re-strengthen the connections in our brain that deal with language and learning, which is vital for communication. Simply put, most people hear better with two hearing aids than just one.

Myth #4: Buying hearing aids online will save you money and time
Fact: Unlike other electronic devices, hearing aids are used for medical purposes. Thus, you should never buy hearing aids from online yourself. A licensed hearing care professional, such as an audiologist, will ensure you select the appropriate hearing aid for your situation. This includes:
Comprehensive hearing evaluation
Hearing aid evaluation
Hearing aid fitting
Instructions in how to use and care for the hearing aid
Repair and support services
An audiologist will make sure you have the proper tools and support in place so you can get the most out of your hearing aid.

Myth #5: Hearing aids can cure hearing loss
Fact: Just like prescription eyeglasses don’t ‘cure’ myopia, hearing aids don’t cure hearing loss. However, hearing aids do improve hearing and listening, which allow you to communicate more effectively. For this reason, they can drastically improve the quality of your life.

Myth #6: My family doctor would have mentioned something if I had hearing loss
Fact: The sad fact is only 14% of doctors check for hearing loss during a physical exam. And because most people with hearing loss hear fine in quiet settings (such as the doctor’s office), it can be quite difficult for the physician to realize the hearing problem. In comparison, audiologists are specifically trained to check for hearing loss and can treat it if it’s discovered.
At Sophisticated Hearing, our passion is helping people improve their hearing. With so much information available online, we understand it can be difficult to know which facts are true or false.