Hearing Aid Myths

 

“Hearing devices are only for old people.” “I hear just fine without a hearing aid.” “Hearing devices are expensive.” “Hearing aids never work well.” 

These are just a few of the many misconceptions surrounding hearing aids. Though millions of people experience hearing loss, the concept of wearing a hearing device remains fairly misunderstood. 

Below we debunk 6 common myths about hearing aids!

Myth 1: Hearing aids are only for old people. 

While this is one of the most common myths about hearing aids, it could not be further from the truth. Age-related hearing loss is common, but people of all ages experience hearing loss. In fact, more than 5 percent of the world’s population struggles with hearing loss. Hearing loss can be caused by aging, injury, illness, infection, and noise. 

Myth 2: My hearing isn’t bad enough for a hearing device. 

Do you struggle to hear conversations? Do people have to repeat themselves several times when talking to you? These are two common indicators of hearing loss. Believe it or not, even mild hearing loss can impact your day-to-day life. Hearing aids can assist people with mild to severe hearing loss. Take this quick quiz to determine if you have hearing loss. 

Myth 3: Hearing aids completely restore your hearing. 

Unfortunately, hearing aids are not designed to completely cure hearing loss but to minimize the effects of hearing loss. Modern hearing aids include a microphone that hears the sounds around you, an amplifier that increases the volume of the sounds, and a receiver that sends the sound signals into the ear. These components work together to improve your ability to hear and communicate. 

Myth 4: Hearing devices are bulky and ugly. 

Many people assume that wearing a hearing aid will be too noticeable because they are big and bulky. However, today’s hearing aids are considerably smaller and more discreet than ever before. 

Myth 5: Hearing aids are too expensive. 

The reality is that purchasing a hearing aid is an investment in your health and quality of life. While you may be tempted to purchase a less-expensive hearing aid online, you may do yourself more harm than good. It’s vital to see an audiologist for a hearing aid fitting in order to maximize your ability to hear. 

ExcelENT of Alabama values and complies with best practice guidelines for hearing aid fittings. New hearing aid technology is frequently introduced to the market boasting updates and changes in directional microphones, sound processing algorithms, noise reduction features, amplitude and frequency compression, and audio data transfer between hearing aids. However, the primary objective of a traditional hearing aid fitting is to ensure that the patient is receiving the appropriate amount of amplification for their hearing loss at each frequency. Trust us, the improved hearing that can result is worth the cost! 

Myth 6. Hearing devices are difficult to use. 

Yes, hearing aids can be difficult to use if you are not taught how to use them properly. When you are fitted for a hearing aid at ExcelENT of Alabama, our audiologist will walk you through how to properly wear and use your new hearing device. 

The truth is, hearing loss can greatly impact your quality of life, but you don’t have to suffer because of it. Appropriately-fitted and programmed hearing aids can provide patients with improved hearing. 

Dr. Helen Lee Miles will meet with you for a hearing aid consultation to discuss your preferences and to explain the different hearing aid styles and features. We’ll have you sitting back and smiling soon at how much more of the world you can hear!

Contact ExcelENT for a hearing device consultation

ExcelENT of Alabama is a proud provider of hearing aids from different manufacturers, such as Unitron, Phonak, and Resound, and in a variety of styles and strengths. Our audiologist will help you select the best hearing aid based on your type and degree of hearing loss and personal needs. Schedule an appointment for a hearing aid consultation with Dr. Miles today!