5 Common Hearing Loss Myths

Hearing loss is the third most common health problem in the United States and around the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 20% of the global population experiences hearing loss. Unfortunately, while we have developed ways to understand and support those going through this experience, there are still many misconceptions surrounding it. If you think that you or a loved one may have hearing loss, here are a few common myths that you might have come across.

Only the Elderly Lose Their Hearing

While it’s true that hearing loss is often associated with aging, it’s not uncommon for younger people to experience some degree of hearing loss. Hearing loss can occur at any age and stem from various factors, including genetics and exposure to loud noises. In addition, there are many factors that can lead to young people experiencing hearing loss, such as health issues and environmental factors as well as others. 

Hearing Loss Is Inevitable and Can’t Be Prevented

The myth that hearing loss is inevitable and can’t be prevented is perpetuated by a number of factors, including the fact that many people experience a gradual loss of hearing as they age. While it’s true that aging is a major risk factor for hearing loss, there are other factors that can contribute to hearing loss, including exposure to loud noise, certain medications and certain medical conditions. 

Additionally, there are steps that can be taken to prevent or slow the progression of hearing loss, such as avoiding exposure to loud noise, using hearing protection when exposed to loud noise, improving communication strategies when hearing loss begins to become apparent and seeking treatment for conditions causing hearing loss.

Hearing Aids Only Make Things Louder

Hearing aids are not a cure for hearing loss but can amplify sound and help you understand speech better. Therefore, hearing aids are not always helpful, especially if the cause of your hearing loss is temporary or related to an injury that has already healed.

In addition to helping you hear better, hearing aids make sounds more pleasant for you to listen to by reducing background noises and other disturbances. Some people who have worn them say they enjoy going out in public more because they don’t feel as distracted by what’s happening around them such as background noises such as conversations from nearby. 

Hearing Aids Are Uncomfortable and Embarrassing

You may think hearing aids are clunky, awkward devices that make you look older or out of fashion. They’re actually small and discreet – so small, in fact, that you can wear them behind the ear.

Plus, there are several options for making hearing aids more discreet. For example, you can choose to have your hearing aids fit into earmolds that attach directly to your outer earlobes. These molds can be painted with makeup or colored to match your skin tone, so they blend in even better than traditional behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids.

You can also choose invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) technology if you want a more inconspicuous option than BTEs. Your audiologist will insert tiny parts into both of your ears and then mold the processing components to fit snugly inside one of them – no actual component is visible from the outside of your head.

Hearing Aids Are Cost Too Much to Consider

You might believe that hearing aids cost a lot, but it doesn’t. Hearing aids have a reputation for being unaffordable, but that is simply not true. This is the same as the cost of a new iPhone or pair of designer jeans. While some additional costs may be involved in having your hearing tested or purchasing hearing protectors for loud environments, these should be viewed as an investment in your health and well-being rather than an added expense.

Hopefully, this article helped you understand the facts behind these common myths. Myths often make the experience a little more extreme, but it is important to remember that there is help for you. Whether it’s for a medical condition that has affected your hearing or an external factor, having all the information you need can help you to make an informed decision about your hearing health.

If you aren’t sure where to find information or have questions about hearing loss, you can always get in touch with an audiologist who can give you helpful advice regarding your hearing aid and your experiences with hearing loss. Getting in touch with Norriton Hearing Center can give you the information you need you. Get in touch by calling us today at (610) 228-2779.