Debunking Common Hearing Loss Myths

In today’s high-tech world, it’s hard to imagine that hearing aid hesitancy and under-diagnosed hearing loss it still a thing. The American Medical Association estimates that over 48 million Americans experience hearing loss of some form in one or both ears. Unfortunately, delusions and myths are still stuck on the subject of hearing loss. Whether it’s misinformation or misunderstanding, the results are the same; untreated and under-diagnosed hearing loss is a serious issue that can lead to worse issues. Here are some of the most common hearing loss myths that can lead to hearing aid hesitancy and the truth to dispel them.

Common Hearing Loss Myths: Separating Fact From Fiction

Myth:  Hearing Loss Comes with Aging

Reality: Hearing loss can affect anyone of any age. Even though age is a factor, it’s not the only one, and it’s actually pretty far down on the list of suspects for most people who develop hearing loss.

Myth: Minor Hearing Loss Can Be Managed Without Assistance

Reality: Studies have shown that early adoption of hearing aids greatly increases the quality of life for the long term.

Myth: It’s Easy to Tell If Hearing Loss is Occurring

Reality: Many conditions that lead to hearing loss develops gradually over time. Pinpointing the moment it began can be very difficult as symptoms appear only under certain conditions and commonly are blamed on environmental factors, such as loud rooms and background noises.

Myth: My Overall Health is Not Affected by Hearing Loss

Reality: Not all cases of hearing loss are due to damage to the inner ear. Hearing loss can be the outcome of many different medical conditions. Many of those involve the brain and the circulatory system, and the stress on the brain’s ability to process sound could affect other areas of the brain. Studies have shown that hearing loss associated with cognitive decline can be significantly helped with hearing aids.

Myth: I Can Use Someone Else’s Hearing Aids

Reality: Hearing aids are meant to be used by the person they are prescribed for. Each device must be programmed and selected according to the severity of the condition. Devices are also determined according to the type of hearing loss they have. The chances that someone else’s hearing aids will work with you are slim to none.

Myth: Hearing Aids Should Work Right Away

Reality: Unlike glasses, which work immediately, the brain needs time to adjust to the new signals. Each patient’s condition is as unique as each person’s, meaning each device has to be fine-tuned to function properly.