Myths And Facts About Hearing Loss And Hearing Aids

Due to the long-standing stigma that has been attached to both hearing loss and hearing aids, there are a lot of misconceptions floating around regarding both of these topics. Yet, due to the remarkable advancements that have been made in hearing aid technology and treatments for hearing loss, the unfavorable stereotypes are completely out of date. We are here to set the record straight on hearing loss and hearing aids, as well as dispel any myths that may still exist.

Hearing Loss Only Affects Older People

Hearing loss can affect people of all ages and is actually rising amongst young people due to the increased use of earbuds and headphones and listening to loud music. In fact, according to the AARP, 40% of Americans with hearing loss are under the age of 60.

Hearing Loss is Rare, So I Shouldn’t be Worried About it Happening to Me

Hearing loss affects over 28-million American people – that works out as roughly one in ten people, making it one of the most common health conditions in the United States.

Hearing Loss Does Not Cause Any Problems

Untreated hearing loss can cause issues. It can cause problems with various aspects of your life, including the ability to communicate with others, work life and social life. It can also lead to problems such as cognitive decline, depression, social isolation and frustration. If you notice that you are experiencing hearing loss talk with you audiologist.

Everyone Realizes If They Have Hearing Loss

For many people, hearing loss comes on gradually and slowly, so they do not recognize that they have a loss of hearing. It isn’t until they go for a routine hearing check, or someone points out that they are having to repeat things or speak louder around them that the hearing loss is picked up.

Hearing Aids Won’t Help Me

Hearing loss at high frequencies is the most common type of hearing loss, and with the help of hearing aids, 95% of people who have hearing loss at high frequencies can regain their ability to hear normally. There are hearing devices available that can assist you in regaining your hearing even if you do not have a loss of hearing in the high-frequency range.

I Only Have Mild Hearing Loss, So Hearing Aids Will Not Help Me

The only way you will be able to know if a hearing aid will benefit you or not is from a comprehensive hearing test from an audiologist. Did you know that, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, only about one in five people who would benefit from using a hearing aid actually uses one? Even if your hearing loss is mild, you can still benefit from having your hearing checked before it gets any worse.

Hearing Aids Are Obvious and the Feedback Makes a Lot of Noise

In recent years, hearing aids have undergone significant changes and shown tremendous improvements. The feedback problem, which used to result in whistling sounds, has also been improved thanks to technological advancements. Advancements have also made many hearing aids almost invisible to the naked eye.

I Only Need One Hearing Aid

The way we hear is referred to as having binaural hearing. That indicates that we use both of our ears to hear. The two ears on either side of our head collaborate to assist in localizing sound and filter out background noise. It is only through a hearing test that an audiologist will be able to tell whether you require one or two hearing aids. It is common practice to employ the use of two hearing aids in order to simulate binaural hearing and achieve the most natural sound quality possible.

Hearing Aids Will Make Everything Sound Too Loud

Hearing aids, on the other hand, will amplify sounds, but their sophisticated sound processing and noise reduction technology will allow them to adapt to the environment in which you are listening. Your hearing aids will provide the appropriate amount of amplification no matter where you are or what you are doing, whether you are at a loud outdoor music festival or simply watching TV at home. This will allow you to participate in a wide variety of activities without experiencing any discomfort.

For more information on the facts and myths surrounding hearing aids and hearing loss, and to speak to a qualified audiologist, get in touch with the Hearing Aid Consultants of North Mississippi at (662) 234-1337.