4 Common Hearing Loss Myths

NDBC Hearing Clinic’s Audiologist debunks the 4 most common hearing loss myths she hears from patients on a weekly basis.  How many did you believe?

Myth #1: Hearing loss only affects the elderly.

Reality: Hearing loss affects people of all age groups. According to the Better Hearing Institute, the vast majority of people with hearing loss are under the age of 65. Only 35% of people with hearing loss are older than age 65. Research by Johns Hopkins School of Medicine shows that roughly 48 million people in the U.S. experience hearing loss. That is 1 out of every 5 Americans!

Myth #2: Hearing aids will make me look “older” and “handicapped”.

Reality: People of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, wear hearing aids. Wearing glasses doesn’t make someone look “older” or “handicapped” and neither do hearing aids. Asking for repetitions or inappropriately responding to conversations ages you more than wearing hearing aids ever could.

Myth #3: Hearing aids will make everything sound too loud/ they whistle.

Reality: This used to be true when hearing aids were analog. Hearing aid technology has come a very long way! Now, hearing aids are fully digital which means only sounds you cannot hear will be amplified, they can filter out background noise, and automatically eliminate whistling making whistling a thing of the past.

Myth #4: Hearing aids are too expensive. I rather buy them online or through the mail because it’s cheaper.

Reality: Hearing aids are a long term investment that will improve your quality of life. They are medical devices and should not be purchased without the guidance and supervision of a hearing healthcare professional. Hearing aids should be selected and fit after a comprehensive audiologic evaluation by a professional. An audiologist can provide the expertise to appropriately fit your hearing aids to your hearing loss and provide comprehensive follow up care.