Hearing Aid Myths and Facts

By Kathy Mellott, AuD

Audiology Unlimited

. http://www.audiologyunlimited.net/

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Hearing Aid Myths and Facts

Myth Your hearing loss is not bad enough for a hearing aid.
Fact Everyones hearing loss and listening needs are different. By working with your audiologist, you can determine how much hearing loss you have and if a hearing aid will help your hearing.
Myth My physician said I have nerve loss so no hearing aid will help me.
Fact Nerve loss is a catch-all phrase, which means it is a permanent hearing loss. Most hearing losses are nerve loss and can be helped with amplification.
Myth Hearing aids restore hearing to normal just as an eyeglass prescription can restore vision to 20/20.
Fact Hearing aids do not restore hearing to normal. Just as eyeglasses do not cure your vision problem, hearing aids do not cure your hearing loss. Like eyeglasses, hearing aids provide benefit and improvement. They can improve your hearing and listening abilities and they can substantially improve your quality of life.
Myth You can save money by buying hearing aids online or by mail order.
Fact Beware of mail order or online hearing aid sales. By working with an audiologist, you are purchasing professional care and service including appropriate evaluation, referral for medical treatment if and when necessary, instruction in how to use the hearing aid, follow-up care and support, repair services and rehabilitation services.
Myth A hearing aid will damage your hearing.
Fact A properly fitted and maintained hearing aid will not damage your hearing, nor will it prevent further hearing loss. It will be a great improvement to your quality of life.
Myth Your hearing loss is not bad enough for two hearing aids.
Fact We normally hear with two ears. Binaural hearing helps us localize sounds, assists us in noisy settings, and provides natural sound quality. Most people with hearing loss in both ears can understand better with two aids than with one.
Myth The invisible hearing aids worn in the ear are the best hearing aids to purchase.
Fact There are several styles of hearing aids that are state-of-the-art. What is most important is that you purchase a hearing aid that accommodates your hearing loss and your listening needs. Just because your friend uses a particular hearing aid style does not mean you have to use that style. Your friends style of hearing aid may be a totally inappropriate prescription for your needs.
Myth Behind-the-ear hearing aids are extremely noticeable and bulky.
Fact The new generation of behind-the-ear hearing aids is streamlined and many use smaller batteries than ever before. Open behind-the-ear hearing aids leave the ear canal very open with a thin tube attaching to tiny hearing aid resting on the outer ear.
Myth A physician is the best person to determine how much a hearing aid will benefit me.
Fact A doctor of audiology, or audiologist, is best qualified to measure hearing and benefits from amplification. An audiologist has a degree in hearing and balance disorders. The state of Maryland requires a minimum of a masters degree in audiology to practice in the state, and will soon require a doctoral degree to maintain a license. The American Academy of Audiology and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association are the organizations that govern the clinical and ethical issues of Audiology. In addition, many doctors of audiology are board certified by the American Board of Audiology, indicating participation in continuing education programs beyond the minimal requirement needed for licensure.