If you or someone you love recently started to lose hearing, you probably do what most people do in this situation. You go online and learn as much as you can about hearing loss and of course, hearing aids. However, you probably encounter a lot of myths that might lead to confusion.
To clarify some of the most common misconceptions about hearing devices, Hear More Associates, your trusted hearing specialist, debunks five myths about hearing aids:
Myth #1: You Don’t Need a Hearing Aid for Minor Hearing Loss
This is not true. In fact, it is not recommended for anyone suffering from hearing loss, no matter how minor, to wait until the problem worsens before they get a hearing aid. This is because as time passes, the risk of sound distortion becoming permanent also increases that even with a device, conversations in average volume can come across as garbled. Aside from that, the hearing won’t get better over time but worsen, but even more so if you delay wearing hearing devices!
Myth #2: Hearing Aids Can Destroy Any Hearing You Have Left
Doctors only prescribe hearing aids after a series of tests and careful consideration of the patient’s type of hearing loss. A hearing aid is recommended to enhance a person’s hearing and not to cause any damage whatsoever. As such, the key here is to ensure that the device is well-fitted, worn properly, and regularly maintained so that it’s always in good working condition.
Myth #3: Hearing Aid Can Completely Solve Communication Problems
Hearing aids do help one’s communication ability significantly, but there are certain issues that cannot be helped by hearing devices completely. For example, if you wear hearing devices in a public area where there’s too much background noise, you might find it hard to follow conversations around you. This might limit your ability to hold conversations in such settings.
Myth #4: Hearing Aids Can Cure Hearing Loss
Hearing aids have advanced significantly, but they’re not capable of restoring lost hearing. The ear, with its complicated nerves, cannot be replaced by a hearing aid. What hearing devices can do for you are to amplify the sound so that you can hear well and respond to other people during conversation and try to make things as normal and safe as possible despite your hearing loss.
Myth #5: New Smaller Hearing Aids Are Superior to Bigger Ones
Size does not dictate how advanced a device is. Both small hearing aids and bigger ones that have been designed in recent years are created with the most cutting-edge technology, so you can be sure that whichever one your doctor recommends will deliver what you need. There are two types of hearing aids that are most commonly used: the Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) type and the Behind-the-Ear (BTE) type. The model you can use largely depends on the type of hearing loss you have, so make sure to ask your doctor if the almost invisible type is suitable for your case!
Conclusion
There are many myths about hearing loss and hearing aids that you can find online, some of which were discussed in this article. However, the best way to know which ones are true is to visit a reputable hearing clinic in your area. Remember that it’s better to be guided by a hearing specialist when it comes to things that are going to affect your hearing, like deciding on the best hearing aid for your specific situation.
If you are looking for the best hearing specialist in Massachusetts, visit Hear More Associates at one of our locations near you. We can answer any questions you might have about hearing aids and make the best recommendations for you. Contact us today for an appointment!
