Myths about Hearing Aids

Many of our patients have questions about what hearing aids can and cannot do. Here is a list of Myths and Facts about hearing aids.

Myths About Hearing Aids

When hearing loss cannot be corrected by medical means (medication or surgery), hearing aids are often recommended. Unfortunately, there are many who have inaccurate or incomplete information, which leads to disappointment and frustration. First, lets dispel the most common myths about hearing aids.

MYTH: Hearing aids correct hearing loss. A hearing aid is a device, which amplifies sounds that the ear is having difficulty hearing. It is not fixing the damaged ear, therefore, it is an aid it helps you to hear better. Its not a cure.

MYTH: When wearing hearing aids you will hear speech clearly. Although hearing aids help you to hear better, depending on the type and extent of the hearing loss, they cannot clear up all speech. The goal is to help the brain to receive more pieces of the speech sounds so it can hear and understand more of the words. There can be situations due to the room acoustics, level of background noise or the speakers voice quality which prevent a complete understanding (discrimination) of the conversation.

MYTH: You only need to wear hearing aids when you think you need them. We really hear with our brain! The ears just pick up sound and send it to the brain. When you have a hearing loss, the brain will need to re-learn what it has been missing to achieve the best results. For this reason, wearing the hearing aids consistently throughout the day is critical to hear the best you can in a variety of situations.

MYTH: Digital hearing aids are always the best. Although digital hearing aids are technically superior to the older analogue type, there are some types of hearing losses that will react as good or even better with the older type. A doctor of audiology will determine the type that is best for each individual patient.

MYTH: The smallest hearing aids are more sophisticated. Just because it is small does not make it better. For cosmetic reasons, most people like the idea of a smaller hearing aid but there are not any electronics in the hearing aids that make them electronically better. In fact, due to the size, in some cases there is not enough room in the smallest hearing aids for circuits that may be better for the patient. The doctor of audiology will help sort through the advantages and disadvantage of each type and style. Obtaining hearing aids is an important step to improve your life, therefore, take the time to learn about your hearing and hearing aids. Everyones hearing loss, lifestyle and brain functioning is different so there is no one hearing aid that is right for all. Ask your doctor of audiology what is best for you and why.

Facts About Hearing Aids

When hearing loss cannot be corrected by medical means (medication or surgery), hearing aids are often recommended. Unfortunately, there are many who have inaccurate or incomplete information about hearing aids which leads to disappointment and frustration. Here are some hearing aid facts.

FACT: Hearing aids do work for those with nerve type (sensorineural) hearing loss. In fact, most hearing aids are designed for just this type of hearing loss. It is true that hearing aids do not fix the ear, but they can help most people to hear better.

FACT: No hearing aids eliminate background noise. It is true that there are newer digital hearing aids that help people to hear in noisy environments, but hearing aids do not know what a person wants to hear and what he or she does not want to hear. Consistently wearing the appropriate hearing aids, set properly will however, allow the brain do what it does best -- sort through the information and focus on what is important while ignoring the rest. When you have a hearing loss, it is almost always going to be difficult in noisy settings. The goal is to still be able to follow the conversation in those settings. Hearing aids may help, but do not expect miracles.

FACT: No one type of hearing aid is right for all. There are many types and brands of hearing aids. Although advertising may lead a person to think that there is the perfect hearing aid for everyone, that just isnt the case. Each person has a unique hearing loss, hearing needs, and brain processing; which hearing aid will work best is a very individual thing. Working with your doctor of audiology is essential to determine the best device for you. Close follow-up after the hearing aid are obtained will help to ensure the hearing aids are truly meeting the persons hearing needs.

FACT: It is not that difficult to grow accustomed to wearing hearing aids. Sure, anything new will take some time to get accustomed to, but if the hearing aids are fitting comfortably and work properly allowing the person to hear better, this adjustment period will be short. Patience and realistic expectations are vital to the process and make it going smoothly. If the person is motivated to do what it takes to hear better, the time it takes to feel comfortable with new hearing aids will go quickly. Follow-up with the doctor of audiology is important to answer any questions and to be sure the hearing aids are adjusted properly.

FACT: Thorough hearing testing is critical to determine whether hearing aids are necessary and what type is appropriate. All too often only a cursory hearing test is performed before hearing aids are recommended. The more precise the testing the more accurate the recommendations will be for either medical exams or hearing devices. A doctor of audiology will perform the necessary testing and provide appropriate recommendations.