10 Hearing Loss Myths Vs. Facts You Should Know For Better Hearing Health
10 Hearing Loss Myths Vs. Facts You Should Know For
Better Hearing Health
“5% of people in the world have a hearing loss, yet not enough people seek requisite help for it.[1]”
That is also why there is a lot of misinformation and myths around the subject, preventing several people from seeking help.
Suppose you have heard about hearing aids and hearing loss. You probably did it through the movies, stories, and general conversations with people you know. Chances are all that you have ever known are assumptions and myths unless it was from the hearing care professionals in your acquaintances. It is more dangerous if someone with hearing loss is believing and following such myths.
It is time to leave those misconceptions behind and bust such myths.
Through this blog, we share the ten most prevalent myths around hearing loss, hearing aids, and people with hearing loss, how they impact our daily lives, and the truth behind them.
Myth 1: Hearing loss is an old age problem only.
Myth 2: Hearing loss is annoying, but it doesn’t affect your health.
Hearing loss itself is not fatal.
But it may increase your risk of developing dementia.
It is even dangerous to walk in the road with speedy vehicles or at any other noisy place where one can not hear and accurately identify the sound source. It is a risk to their life as they will not be alert enough.
The right side is that you can improve your mood and memory if you use a prescribed suitable hearing aid in time.
Myth 3: People with hearing loss talk in sign language only.
Sign language is an excellent way of communication. No doubt. But this misconception is farther from any truths at all.
Sign language is not something a person with hearing loss aces naturally. Instead, most people with hearing loss can not even fingerspell in sign language.
It is primarily used by people who are deaf for long periods. Most of the people with hearing loss understand the speech well merely by using an appropriate hearing aid. Conventional hearing loss does not necessarily make people learn sign language unless it is an absolute necessity.
Myth 4: You would know by yourself if you have hearing loss.
This may be true if your hearing loss is due to a sudden loud noise. You would know almost immediately. Otherwise, hearing loss can happen so gradually that you may not even notice it until it has worsened.
Generally, we turn up the volume or ask people to repeat what they say, ignoring the signs. We say the sound quality is not useful, or we were just absent-minded for a moment.
Well, guess what? It’s true.
But the reason behind this is the hearing loss happening gradually. There is nothing to be ashamed about. If others are telling you that you hear less, most of the time, they are correct. It is advisable to get yourself checked immediately.
Image Source: Audiology and Hearing Aid Centre
Generally, we turn up the volume or ask people to repeat what they say, ignoring the signs. We say the sound quality is not useful, or we were just absent-minded for a moment.
Well, guess what? It’s true.
But the reason behind this is the hearing loss happening gradually. There is nothing to be ashamed about. If others are telling you that you hear less, most of the time, they are correct. It is advisable to get yourself checked immediately.
Myth 5: Talking louder will make the hard-of-hearing people listen better.
- Lip reading and physical demonstration can help with this, and it becomes easier to understand people who face them while talking and speak clearly.
- If a person asks you to repeat yourself, it does not mean that you raise your voice or shout.
- Face them, and enunciate your words clearly without slowing down.
- When you raise your voice or talk to them as if they are children, it generally embarrasses them.
Myth 6: Hearing aids make you look stupid.
And, no, it does not make you look stupid.
Instead, it portrays that you are aware of a health condition and are smart enough to take care of it with proper treatment. But if it still bothers you, the good news is that modern hearing aids are smaller, easier to use, and more aesthetically pleasing.
Some hearing aids are mall enough to fit inside the ear canal, while others can be tucked behind the ear and under the hair, making it nearly invisible. You can even get a customized one with your skin tone. Many people do not see that you are wearing them unless they are told.
Also, there are developments in hearing aids as high-tech hear-wear like the Signia Styletto. This unique design looks like an ear cuff, and it comes in a variety of colors, including metallic designs. It functions as a high-tech hearing aid but looks like a state-of-the-art designer accessory.
Perpetuating this myth can be harmful to the people who avoid them out of self-consciousness.
Myth 7: Hearing aids can fix your hearing problem perfectly.
Hearing loss is a gradually increasing issue that is treated with a hearing aid. It is not a cure. When you get a hearing aid on, you hear a little differently than before. You may need some time to adjust to the sounds around them.
Watch this video on how to select the right hearing aid for yourself:
Myth 8: Hearing loss is about hearing ability and nothing to do with other aspects of life.
Hearing loss may refer to only loss or decline of hearing ability. But it is much more than that.
Suppose it goes untreated or treated incorrectly. In that case, it will increase one’s risk of experiencing issues like cognitive decline, dementia, falls, social isolation, and depression, to name a few.
- You will find it challenging to identify speech. And your performance might go lower day by day.
- Even in social events, you get your confidence diminished, and you become self-absorbed as you do not feel accepted and understood.
- It is observed that treating hearing loss patients with hearing aids and other methods can reverse or even prevent many of these conditions.
Watch this video on how hearing loss can impact your life:
Myth 9: People become pushy and rude if they have hearing loss.
Myth 10: Surgery can heal your hearing loss.
Unlike laser surgery on eyes or dental treatment, surgery for hearing loss is not a catch-all solution yet, unfortunately.
While it is true that some forms of hearing loss, primarily if blockages cause them, can be cured by surgery, this is not possible for everyone.
Only a handful of hearing loss cases can be cured. Maximum people with sensorineural hearing loss or certain congenital conditions will not benefit from any surgery. They have to opt for other methods of treatment.
Operating a hearing loss is an exception, not the norm.
Watch this video on myths and facts about hearing loss here:
Did this article help you understand better about hearing loss? Do you have anyone in your circle who might have hearing loss?
Then take the first step. Urge them to take the Online Hearing test to find out if they need more consulting or treatment.
Feel free to share your thoughts and any other myths you have come across in the comment session below. We would be happy to clarify those myths.
For any further assistance, please visit www.qualityhearingcare.com!