10 Common Misconceptions about Hearing Aids Debunked

When you have been diagnosed with hearing loss, the number one treatment that you are likely to rely on is the use of a hearing aid by your hearing health professional. This small medical technology is incredibly sophisticated and it can be quite life changing, but there are a lot of misconceptions about hearing aids. In this article we’re going to look at the top 10 most common of those myths and we’re going to debunk them for you.

1. Hearing Aids Are for Seniors

It’s true that the majority of hearing aids are used by the senior community, but it doesn’t mean that they are the only community to use them. Anyone can experience hearing loss at any age and be exposed to high levels of noise that knocks their hearing for a while. That means that hearing aids are for everybody.

2. Hearing Aids Are Uncomfortable

There are larger hearing aids that are utilized by certain individuals, but there are also much smaller and more discrete devices that can be put inside the ear canal. However, it’s important to also note that hearing aids are not necessarily uncomfortable and a hearing health professional will fit you with the hearing aids that feel comfortable for you.

3. Hearing Aids Are Curative

There is nothing out there that can make your hearing go back to how it was when it was normal. Hearing aids do not cure your hearing loss. They just amplify the sounds that you once had trouble hearing. It’s vital that you are realistic about your expectations of our hearing aids so that you understand that.

4. Price is the Only Difference

Hearing aids come in a multitude of price points, but they also span a huge spectrum of features and functionalities. Even more basic hearing aids at lower price points can be equipped with high-level features that best serve you. Price is not the only difference, and your hearing health professional can make sure that you choose the one that is best fitted for your needs.

5. They Are Bad for Residual Hearing.

Despite what you may have heard, hearing aids are designed to improve and protect the hearing that you have. Providing that you choose a device with the help of a hearing health professional, you can ensure that your hearing aid is well maintained and fitted properly and therefore avoid further hearing decline.

6. Hearing Aids Are Not for Mild Hearing Loss

This one is a common misconception that hearing aids can’t help you if your hearing loss is only mild. But there are hearing aids out there that are specifically designed to help with the mildest of hearing losses. These also protect your hearing from getting worse overtime.

7. Your Hearing Loss is Too Severe for Hearing Aids

There are some hearing aids that are designed for mild to moderate hearing loss, but there is also a whole range of hearing aid models that are designed for severe and profound hearing loss. The best way to find out whether hearing aids can help your type of hearing loss is to speak to a hearing health professional and have your hearing tested.

8. You Only Need One Hearing Aid

Another common misconception. Some people believe that you only need one hearing aid to help your hearing. The thing is, do not just pick up audio from one specific sound. Spatial hearing picks up noises from all over and that can be affected by hearing loss while being restored by hearing aids.

9. Hearing Aids Are Hard to Adjust to

It’s true that wearing a hearing aid can take some time to get used to, especially if you think that everything is now too loud since you’ve been wearing one, your hearing health professional can help you to adjust your hearing aids to the noise level that is comfortable for you.

10. Hearing Aids Don’t Make a Difference

Neglecting hearing loss can significantly affect various aspects of one’s life, leading to social isolation, cognitive decline and reduced overall well-being. However, the implementation of hearing aids proves instrumental in addressing these challenges. By amplifying sounds and improving speech clarity, hearing aids facilitate effective communication, thereby enhancing social connections and preserving cognitive function. This, in turn, elevates the overall quality of life for individuals facing the impact of untreated hearing loss.

If you want to learn more about hearing aids and how they can affect your quality of life, then talk with your audiologist. Get in touch with Park Place Hearing Center on this phone number: (707) 283-7853 to get help with your hearing aids.