Common Myths & Facts About Your Hearing and How Amplification Can Help
Myth: My type of hearing loss cannot be helped.
Fact: In virtually all cases, nerve deafness can be helped through amplification. Other types of impairment can be medically treatable. Under any circumstance, regular examinations and hearing tests will provide a certain answer. Some people discover their problem is just too much earwax.
Myth: My father only had one hearing aid. Why would he need two?
Fact: Like our vision, our hearing mechanism relies on input from both ears to locate sound sources, and focus on specific sounds and conversations. Studies show that those wearing two aids understand more clearly and enjoy better sound quality.
Myth: The fancy new digital hearing aids can automatically eliminate unwanted background noise.
Fact: No instruments, no matter how sophisticated, can do what only the human brain does: selectively cancel out noise that you perceive as undesirable. Better understanding with amplification in noisy environments will vary due to the type and degree of hearing loss, accuracy of the instrument fitting, and most importantly, your ability and patience as you relearn to hear with amplified sound.
Myth: Hearing aids are too expensive.
Fact: Cost is relative to the perceived value you get from your hearing aids. The most important 'investment' is your attitude and willingness to adapt to a new world of sound. For many, the improved quality of life and relationships make it one of the best investments they've made.
Myth: Bargain hearing aids work just as well as the expensive ones.
Fact: Mail-order hearing aids, or those purchased online lack one critical ingredient: the expertise and care of a licensed hearing professional. You're not likely to trust other aspects of your health care to a mail-order solution, so why do it with something as essential as your hearing?
Myth: I'm too old to benefit from hearing aids.
Fact: Chances are, no matter what your age, you rely on your hearing to maintain connection with the world, and communicate with those close to you. How would it make others feel if you're not willing to try improving this vital activity?
Myth: Wearing a hearing aid is a sign of old age.
Fact: Actually, misunderstanding conversation and constantly asking people to repeat is more noticable than wearing a hearing aid. Always saying "what", turning the television up, or avoiding phone conversations and social gatherings is more apparent than having small, possibly invisible devices in your ears. Left unresolved, your problem could seriously affect the quality of relationships and friendships.
Myth: "If I had a hearing problem I'd know about it."
Fact: Usually not. Hearing loss often develops unnoticeably over several years. Most people compensate for the very gradual changes by asking others to repeat, turn the television up louder, possibly even reading lips. Allowed to continue, these habits mistakenly make you believe there is no problem, or that it has gone away.
Myth: "A hearing loss just means sounds need to be louder."
Fact: Not really. In most cases, you can hear people talking, but have difficulty understanding what they're saying. Perhaps you can understand just fine in quiet environments, but have trouble in noisy surroundings or in groups. Making all sounds louder just makes understanding harder. It"s why hearing aids are designed to amplify the specific frequencies you need for better understanding.
