Many patients come to Gardner Audiology in Tampa Bay, FL with misconceptions about hearing loss and hearing aids. Research and technology regarding hearing has dramatically changed, even in the last 10 years. We thought we’d take some time to clear up some common misconceptions!
- Hearing loss only happens to the elderly. FALSE! Hearing loss can happen at any age. Hearing loss occurs in children, middle-aged adults, and the elderly! 5 in every 1000 newborns are born with hearing loss. 1 in 3 adults between the ages of 65 and 74 have hearing loss. There is no such thing as having ‘normal hearing for your age’. Hearing loss is not age dependent and can affect anyone!
- Hearing aids will make my hearing worse. FALSE! Wearing hearing aids will not make your hearing worse or make your ears more dependent on hearing aids. If anything, hearing aids can provide vital information to your ears and brain, keeping them active and healthy for years to come! Hearing aid users will find that they become used to wearing hearing aids and want to wear them more, but they are not negatively impacting their hearing.
- Hearing aids will give me normal hearing. FALSE! At this point in time, there is no cure for permanent hearing loss. Hearing aids have made huge strides over the last 10-15 years however they cannot correct your hearing back to normal, or better than normal! However, hearing aids can significantly improve your hearing, and make listening much easier.
- Hearing aids are huge. FALSE! This is my favorite on the list! So many people come in expecting hearing aids to look like they did in the 90s and that is definitely NOT TRUE. For most individuals, hearing aids are so small most people won’t even see that you are wearing them, and they are more sophisticated.
- My hearing isn’t ‘that bad.’ This one I can’t outright say FALSE! without testing your hearing, and neither can you. With many insurances providing coverage towards hearing exams, there is no reason not to get a baseline test. If your hearing is normal, or you are not a hearing aid candidate, we now have something to compare to and monitor over time. If you do have hearing loss that can be treated with hearing aids, we will review our recommendations with you. Keep in mind even with a mild hearing loss, untreated hearing loss has been correlated with higher risks of dementia, falling, and social isolation.
The bottom-line is don’t let common misconceptions prevent you from taking the next steps to better hearing! Our Doctors of Audiology can answer any questions you may have and offer a thorough hearing examination. To schedule an appointment, call us at 800-277-1182 or email us at info@gardneraudiology.com
