Common Myths About Wearing a Hearing Aid

By Joel Silverman, HAD, BC-HIS

Sound Hearing Centers

. http://www.soundhearingcenter.com/

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Common Myths About Wearing a Hearing Aid

For many, it takes years of struggles with misunderstanding speech in conversations, not hearing in noisy social settings and difficulties listening on the phone before they seek help with a hearing aid. Yet, several days of strife may have been averted had a hearing aid been pursued earlier. Today, many objections exist around hearing aids that prevent people from taking proper action. However, many of these objections are based upon old conditions or myths. We want to help dispel a few of those for you or a loved one.

Myth Hearing aids are too big and are too noticeable when worn.

Fact While previous hearing aids may have been large and clunky, today's hearing aids are drastically different in size and cosmetic appeal. In fact, many of the behind-the-ear hearing aids needed by those with more significant hearing losses have won multiple industrial design awards in the consumer electronics category for their stylish design and ease-of-use. Also, there are small hearing aids that are nearly invisible (level of invisibility may vary) when worn deep in your ear canal.

Myth Hearing aids only work in quiet settings and can't help in noisy situations with background noise.

Facts Vast improvements in hearing aid technology have been made even in the last few years to help make hearing in noisy environments effortless. With today's technology, a hearing aid can intuitively seek out speech to amplify it, all while compressing background noises and conversations. This allows for conversations in social settings to be easy and enjoyable again.

Myth Hearing aids are too expensive.

Fact Actually, hearing aids today not only come in an array of sizes and styles but also with several levels of technology and many affordable options. The level of hearing aid technology you will want will depend first upon recommendations from your hearing examination but also your lifestyle needs. Many patients who have only moderate hearing losses may opt for a more sophisticated hearing aid because they need performance in large group meetings or in social settings. On the contrary, some individuals with significant losses opt for a hearing aid that gives them performance in only a few environments of concern such as in church, hearing on the phone and in listening to television.

If you or a loved one struggle with a hearing loss, give early consideration to evaluating hearing aid options. With affordable and reliable technology available, no one should have to go a day without better hearing.