Hearing aids are everywhere. They are the most common solution when it comes to treating hearing loss, and they come in all shapes, sizes, and varieties. They offer the most versatile means to combat hearing loss, and your hearing instrument specialist can help you find the best one to suit your needs. However, as standard as they are, there are still a lot of misconceptions about how they work and what, exactly, they do. Here’s we’re going to look at those errors, mistakes, and rumors and get to the truth behind hearing aids.

Fiction: Hearing loss can’t be treated

Fact: This is a misconception that’s born usually of misunderstanding. There is no cure for hearing loss. It can’t be reversed. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be treated. Hearing aids are hugely effective for helping those with hearing loss, able to help up to 95% of all individuals living with the condition. Hearing aids amplify sound picked up by a microphone, filter it based on custom programming needs, and can help you hear more clearly and pick up sounds that you might not have been able to, before.

Fiction: In the canal hearing aids are the best because they’re the most discreet

Fact: Discretion is important to a lot of people who wear hearing aids, but that doesn’t mean that the more discreet it is, the better. Different types of hearing aids will better suit you based on the type of hearing loss (such as moderate or severe), the type of environments and hobbies you spend your time in, and more. Figuring out your listening needs and lifestyle comes first. From there, finding the best hearing aid is a more specific procedure.

Fiction: Your doctor will let you know if you need hearing aids

Fact: The only way to figure out if you really need hearing aids is with a hearing test. The simple truth is that the majority of general practitioners are not equipped to test for hearing loss. They might not have the time or the instruments they need to carry out a hearing test. Primary care providers are being urged to refer patients to specialists more often and to be aware of the early signs of hearing loss.

Fiction: Buying hearing aids online is just as good as getting them from a specialist

Fact: Hearing aids are not a one-size-fits-all solution. You have to choose those best suited to your hearing needs and lifestyle. Furthermore, when it comes to in the ear (ITE) hearing aids, then you need to make sure that they will physically fit your ear. This is done by the hearing instrument specialist creating a mold of your ear. If you choose hearing aids online, it won’t be fitted correctly and comfortably by a professional. Nor will it be pre-programmed to meet your specific needs. It’s much easier to get it wrong than to get it right when choosing online.

Fiction: Hearing aids are difficult to use, especially for children or those with manual dexterity issues

Fact: Some hearing aids are too small or have manual features to precise to be easily operated by children or those who have issues with their manual dexterity. However, overall, hearing aids have become a lot more convenient and accessible over the past few years as the technology and design behind them continues to improve. As such, you can get hearing aids suited to your ability to adjust and manage them, with some that can even be controlled via mobile devices through Bluetooth connections.

Fiction: If I know I have trouble hearing, I can make do without a hearing aid

Fact: For those with mild hearing loss, you might think that simply paying more attention when talking to individuals and staying in quiet environments is less of a hassle than having a hearing aid fit. However, untreated hearing loss has been proven to have a wide range of harmful emotional and mental effects, from stress to isolation and depression. A hearing aid can help you live your best life, and the process of fitting them and getting used to them is much less troublesome than living without them.

Fact: Your hearing instrument specialist can help you learn the reality of hearing aids

If you’re looking for a hearing aid fitting or you want to understand the range of devices better out there, there’s no-one better to learn from than a hearing instrument specialist. Get in touch with The Hearing House today at 715-384-4700, and we will be glad to tell you everything you need to know.