I recently came across a tidbit of information on Facebook, aptly named Common MythConceptions. As I was reading some the common myths and misconceptions. It made me think of the common mythconceptions of hearing loss and hearing aids that I address in the office and in CHAMP sessions.
As educated consumers, I hope that you do your research regarding hearing loss and hearing aids. Start by having your hearing evaluated by a licensed Audiologist.
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Hearing aids restore hearing to normal: Hearing aids will not give you normal hearing. They are an aid to help provide better hearing. Most people of nerve damage that cannot be corrected medically. Hearing aids will provide you with better hearing than without them!
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People with hearing loss are older adults: While hearing loss is more commonly noted in older adults, 65% of those with hearing loss in the U.S. are under the age of 65!
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Increasing the sound volume will enable a person with hearing loss to understand what is said: Yes, hearing loss is a loss of audibility. However, hearing is a very complex sense and the ability to discriminate speech sounds is processed by the BRAIN. Yelling or increasing the volume can distort the signal for the person with hearing loss. There are other communication strategies to help with the clarity of speech (e.g. getting the person’s attention, looking at them while talking to them, decrease the background noise, etc.)
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Hearing loss isn’t a big deal when compared to other conditions: Actually untreated hearing loss is a big deal. Several studies have shown that untreated hearing loss negatively affects a person’s overall health! More importantly, the benefits of hearing aid use on a person’s quality of life are remarkable from improved relationships at home to increased social activities.
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My friend’s hearing devices don’t work for him/her so they’re not going to work for me: Every person is an individual and so is their hearing loss. Due to the fact that we process speech and other sounds at the level of the brain, you can have a similar hearing loss as your friend but your processing ability could be better/worse. Having realistic expectations of the hearing aids based on your own individual hearing evaluation will help YOU to achieve better hearing.
If you crave more information about hearing loss and hearing aids, you can participate in Dr. Karg’s Summer Book Club, Attend CHAMP in August, or schedule your individual consult today!
