Common Misconceptions About Hearing Aids

Hearing loss and hearing aids often have a lot of stigmas surrounding them. Individuals don’t always have a good understanding of either. When it comes to hearing aids, even many individuals with hearing loss are reluctant to wear them. They might feel that hearing aids make them look or feel old, or that they’re only necessary for people with severe hearing loss.

There are several misconceptions and myths about hearing aids. However, when you know the truth, you can see that hearing aids are key to improving quality of life for someone with hearing loss.

Hearing Aids Are Big and Ugly

If you have memories of seeing large and highly visible hearing aids, you might have this misconception. But hearing aid technology has come a long way in the last few decades. They are often now smaller, more discreet and more stylish than they have ever been. You might even know someone who wears hearing aids without realizing it!

Hearing aids are available in a number of different styles that are worn in different ways. These include behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE) and in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids, among others. You and your audiologist will work together in finding a hearing aid that will work best for your needs.

Only Older People or Those with Severe Hearing Loss Need Hearing Aids

Hearing aids aren’t just for elderly people or people with higher levels of hearing loss. In fact, they can benefit many of all ages. If you have a mild case of hearing loss or you’re still a young adult, you could find that hearing aids help you. Hearing aids amplify sound so, if you have hearing loss, you can still experience the world around you.

Hearing Aids Restore Hearing Perfectly

Hearing aids are a fantastic way to address hearing loss. However, they are not a cure for hearing loss. It’s important to remember that when you first get hearing aids, you’re likely to experience a period of adjustment. It takes time to get used to wearing them and for your ears and brain to adapt. At first, you will probably be advised to wear your hearing aids for short periods so that you can start to get used to them without getting too tired.

You Only Need One Hearing Aid

Some people may only have hearing loss in one ear, or a higher level of hearing loss in one ear than the other. However, even if you have hearing loss in just one ear, it can be beneficial to wear a pair of hearing aids. Hearing aids often work best when there are two of them communicating with each other. Today’s digital hearing aids can be worn in pairs to help manage ambient noise and create the right hearing environment.

Hearing Aids Only Need to Be Adjusted Once

When you first get hearing aids, it’s important to have a fitting and ensure the right settings. But hearing aids might need to be adjusted multiple times to make sure they work for you. If your hearing loss progresses, additional adjustments could be required too.

If you want to know more about hearing aids, contact an audiologist. They will be able to help find the right one for you.