5 Hearing Aid Myths Debunked!

January 6, 2017

There’s lots of information that circulates about hearing aids. As with most things, some of this information is correct and some is incorrect. We’ve put together a list of the biggest myths and we’re providing some facts to dispel them!

Hearing Aids are Only for the Elderly

Because more older people have hearing problems than young people, hearing aids are most often worn by those over the age of 60. However, this does not mean that only older people need hearing aids. Damage to hearing can be sustained at any age, as such anyone can have hearing problems. Therefore, people of all ages need to wear hearing aids.

Because hearing aids are designed for multiple age groups, they also come in lots of different styles. For example, some of the hearing aids we offer come in beige while others come in pink camouflage. Talk about variety! To make hearing aids even more fun, you can add stickers.

Only Those with Severe Hearing Problems Need Hearing Aids

We shouldn’t rule ourselves out for a hearing aid simply because our problems aren't severe enough. Simply talk honestly with your audiologist and you should be able to determine whether your lifestyle would be made easier by hearing aids. Together, you can figure out what works best for you and ensure that you don’t struggle with hearing again.

Two Hearing Aids are Redundant

Saying ‘wearing two hearing aids is redundant’ is the same as saying ‘hearing out of two ears in redundant’. Binaural hearing (hearing with two ears) helps us localize sounds, listen in noisy settings while providing natural sound quality. As such, by wearing two hearing aids, you’ll have a much better chance of hearing everything in your surroundings.

Hearing Aids are All the Same and They Will Work Perfectly Immediately

Finding the right hearing aid takes time. However, when you work closely with an audiologist, you can find the right hearing aid with the right settings.

For example, when looking for the right hearing aid, an audiologist will conduct a hearing evaluation, offer referrals for medical treatments, fit the hearing aid, offer instruction on how to properly use and maintain the hearing aid, offer follow-up care and provide repair services.

So, finding the right hearing aid takes time from both patient and audiologist. This is why we don’t recommend purchasing a hearing aid online. While it might be cheaper, you won’t get the same quality of care.

The Small, Stylish Hearing Aids are the Best

While certain hearing aids are better than others, there isn’t a single hearing aid that works for everyone. It is important that you purchase a hearing aid that fits your hearing loss and accommodates for your lifestyle. Simply because one hearing aid works well on your friend, doesn’t mean it’ll be the perfect fit for you. Your friends hearing aid model might be the wrong prescription for your needs.

While we’ve tried to address some of the biggest hearing aid myths, there is still much more to learn! We welcome you to come down and chat with one of our hearing aid practicioners at Academy Hearing. We’d be happy to offer more information.