Sometimes, it seems like we enjoy to mislead ourselves. Wikipedia has an entry titled “List of common misconceptions” that contains hundreds of universally-held but false beliefs. Yes, I understand it’s Wikipedia, but take a look at the bottom of the web page and you’ll see around 385 references to credible sources.
As an example, did you know that Thomas Edison didn’t invent the lightbulb? Or that sugar does not actually make kids hyperactive? There are myriad examples of beliefs that we just assume to be correct, but from time to time, it’s a good idea to reevaluate what we think we know.
For many of us, it’s time to reevaluate what we think we know about hearing aids. Virtually all myths and misconceptions about hearing aids are centered on the issues associated with the older analog hearing aid models. But considering that most hearing aids are now digital, those problems are a thing of the past.
So how up-to-date is your hearing aid knowledge? Read below to see if any of the top 5 myths are keeping you or someone you know from getting a hearing aid.
The Top 5 Myths About Hearing Aids
Myth # 1: Hearing aids are not effective because some people have had bad experiences.
Reality: First, hearing aids have been proven to be effective. A study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association comparing the performance of three popular styles of hearing aids determined that:
Each [hearing aid] circuit markedly improved speech recognition, with greater improvement observed for soft and conversationally loud speech….All 3 circuits significantly reduced the frequency of problems encountered in verbal communication….Each circuit provided significant benefit in quiet and noisy listening situations.
On top of that, since the publication of this research, hearing aid technology has continued to get better. So the question is not whether hearing aids work — the question is whether you have the right hearing aid for your hearing loss, professionally programmed according to your preferences by a licensed professional.
Bad experiences are probably the result of selecting the wrong hearing aid, purchasing hearing aids online, contacting the wrong individual, or not having the hearing aids customized and professionally programmed.
Myth # 2: Hearing aids are big, cumbersome, and unsightly.
Reality: This one is particularly easy to disprove. Simply perform a quick Google image search for “attractive hearing aid designs” and you’ll see plenty of examples of stylish and colorful models from numerous producers.
Additionally, “completely-in-the-canal” (CIC) hearing aids are available that are nearly or entirely invisible when worn. The newer, stylish designs, however, compel some patients to choose the slightly bigger hearing aid models to showcase the technology.
Myth # 3: Hearing aids are too expensive.
Reality: Today, some flat screen televisions with ultra-high definition curved glass sell for $8,000 or more. But this doesn’t make us say that “all TVs are too expensive.”
Just like television sets, hearing aids vary in price dependent on performance and features. While you may not want — or need — the top of the line hearing aids, you can almost certainly find a pair that suits your needs, preferences, and budget. Also take into account that, as is the case with all consumer electronics, hearing aids are becoming more affordable each year, and that the value of healthier hearing and a better life is usually worthy of the expense.
Myth # 4: You can save time and money buying hearing aids online.
Reality: Remember myth # 1 that asserted that hearing aids are not effective? Well, it was very likely triggered by this myth. Like we stated before, hearing aids have been proven to be effective, but the one caveat to that assertion has always been that hearing aids have to be programmed by a professional to ensure performance.
You wouldn’t dare purchase a pair of prescription glasses on the web without consulting your eye doctor because your glasses need to be customized according to the unique attributes of your vision loss. Buying hearing aids is no different.
Yes, visiting a hearing specialist is more expensive, but look at what you get for the price: you can be sure that you get the right hearing aid with the right fitting and settings, combined with follow-up care, adjustments, cleanings, instructions, repair services, and more. It’s well worth it.
Myth # 5: Hearing aids are uncomfortable and confusing to operate.
Reality: If this pertains to analog hearing aids, then yes, it is generally true. The thing is, almost all hearing aids are now digital.
Digital hearing aids dynamically process sound with a compact computer chip so that you don’t have to worry about manual adjustments; in addition, some digital hearing aids can even be operated through your cellphone. The bottom line: digital hearing aids are being developed with optimum ease-of-use in mind.
Your hearing specialist can also establish a custom mold for your hearing aids, ensuring a comfortable and suitable fit. While a one-size-fits all hearing aid will very likely be uncomfortable, a custom-fit hearing aid conforms to the shape of your ear.