More than 35 million Americans suffer from hearing loss. Many of those could benefit from the use of hearing aids, but only one in five take advantage of this technology, according to the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). There are many reasons people avoid purchasing hearing aids, but many of these excuses are simply misconceptions, and keep people from truly enjoying the benefits that better hearing could bring. Here are some examples of common hearing aid misconceptions:
I’m too young for hearing aids.
Hearing loss may occur at any age. The NIDCD reports that an estimated 15 percent of American adults between the ages of 20 and 69 have developed high frequency hearing loss as a result of repeated exposure to loud sounds, noise on the job, or noise encountered during other leisure activities. Repeated noise exposure can lead to a loss of the high frequencies, and often only affects people in certain environments because they can still hear lower-pitched sounds just fine. High-frequency sounds include most of the consonant sounds in words, which are what allow us to understand speech. Losing these can make the hearing loss a slow, insidious process, and by the time a person recognizes there is a problem, it is more difficult to treat successfully.
Early warning signs of hearing loss are often missed by the individual experiencing the impairment, but are noticed by friends and loved ones. These include: misunderstanding high-pitched consonant sounds, such as “s, f, and th,” difficulty understanding group conversation, irritation and withdrawal in social situations, frequent need to ask others to repeat statements, and increasing volume on television and radio.
While hearing aids can’t reverse hearing loss, what they are able to do is amplify higher pitched sounds that are inaudible to the patient, clarifying words and making the communication process less stressful.
Hearing aids will restore my hearing to normal.
Hearing aids cannot cure hearing loss, or slow the progression of it; however, most types of hearing loss can be helped. Only in a few instances, such as when there is very poor processing of speech, are hearing aids not very helpful.
It’s too expensive to get good hearing aids.
Hearing aids are not inexpensive, but there are a number of insurance and financial assistance options available to help with obtaining hearing aids. Also, there are various models of hearing aids for patients to choose from, depending on their lifestyle. Some hearing aids are more expensive than others, and although higher-end technology may be beneficial to many individuals, patients don’t always need to buy the most expensive to see results.
Hearing aids are unsightly.
Hearing aids nowadays can be extremely small and discrete.
My hearing loss can’t be helped.
Most people who are hearing aid candidates have sensorineural, or “nerve,” damage. In order to improve quality of life and hearing, we offer a full range of hearing aid options.
Size does not dictate quality.
Smaller is not always better or more expensive. The size of the hearing aid is dependent first on the amount of hearing loss, and second on personal preference.
I only need one hearing aid.
Most of the time, people need two hearing aids because hearing loss exists in both ears. Having two aids benefits the patient by providing localization of sound, or identifying where sound comes from, and a sense of balance. Hearing appropriately from two ears will also help patients do best in background noise.
If you or someone you love is struggling to keep up with everyday communication, it is time to seek help. Your audiologist can work with you to help overcome these common misconceptions, and you may be surprised what a difference hearing aids can make.
To learn more about our Midwest Hearing Center audiologists and the hearing healthcare services they provide, please call 309-691-6616 in Peoria, or 309-284-0164 in Morton.