Four Common Misconceptions about Hearing Aids

There are many misconceptions surrounding the use and fitting of hearing aids. Many of these can put people at risk of allowing their hearing loss to get worse while others place unwarranted stigmas on those who use hearing aids. Here are four misconceptions about hearing aids and hearing loss commonly voiced and why they’re untrue.

1. Hearing loss is something that only seniors deal with

Many people incorrectly assume that hearing loss is just a sign of aging. While there is a type of hearing loss caused by aging, called presbycusis, there are many other causes of hearing loss. However, most people who have hearing loss (around two-thirds of everyone that experiences hearing loss) are actually under the age of 64. Common factors and risks of early hearing loss include exposing yourself to loud noises. Listening to loud music can often accelerate the wear and tear of your inner ear. This damages the hairs and nerve cells, which can cause the electrical signals to transmit incorrectly, thus causing hearing loss. Everyone can suffer from hearing loss.

2. Hearing loss is easily identifiable by my family doctor

Most people wouldn’t realize if they had hearing loss. There are a couple of signs that could indicate hearing loss, but most people ignore them and shrug it off as something that can be fixed with minor medical treatment. Most family doctors don’t even check for hearing loss during a routine physical and it requires a skilled audiologist to identify hearing loss correctly. If you’re concerned about your hearing, then it’s best to visit a trained specialist instead of your regular family doctor.

3. Hearing aids are only used if you have serious hearing loss

Hearing aids can be used by anyone that suffers from hearing loss. Be it very slight or heavy hearing loss, the amplification provided by hearing aids can be used effectively to enhance your lifestyle, especially if you use your hearing frequently. There are some professions where even a slight amount of hearing loss can cause problems with your job. However, there are also cases where hearing loss is tolerable. For instance, if you live in a relatively isolated rural area and seldom socialize with your hearing or voice. Either way, hearing aids can be used regardless of your level of hearing loss and their usefulness depends heavily on your lifestyle.

4. Hearing aids make you look old and senile

The hearing aid industry is well aware of the cosmetic issue surrounding hearing aids. That’s why there are now many hearing aids, which are invisible unless seen up-close and discrete ones can be used without affecting your appearance or making you look “old.” It’s also good to keep in mind that untreated hearing loss is usually more obvious to people around you than a hearing aid. If you keep asking people to repeat what they say, then they’re going to know something is up.