Today it feels more important than ever to get reliable information. With the plentitude of expert research right alongside layman opinions on the Internet, it can be hard to tell what you can trust. As we know, those who have devoted their lives to understanding a specific topic are the best equipped to share their knowledge, but their voices can be drowned out by the shouts from others who want to convince you of uninformed claims. Hearing loss is no exception when it comes to the blend of facts and fictions one can find online. Though you might be tempted to believe an uninformed opinion, it is important to let expertise guide you in your pursuit of the facts. The following are some commonly held fictions about hearing loss, as well as the facts to set them straight.
Fiction: You don’t need to worry about mild hearing loss.
Fact: Many of the most common forms of hearing loss are degenerative, meaning that they are likely to get worse with time. This fact doesn’t mean that you will eventually become deaf if you have one of these types of hearing loss, but you are likely to experience changes in your hearing ability as time goes by. Many people believe they can get by just fine with mild hearing loss, but this fiction can be dangerous. In the first place, even mild hearing loss has been correlated with health problems, including higher rates of cognitive dysfunction. Further, those who have mild hearing loss are likely to see an increase in hearing loss, meaning that prompt intervention is the best approach.
Fiction: Hearing aids are more trouble than they’re worth.
Fact: Hearing aid technology has advanced dramatically in recent years. Though older models of hearing aids did have problems with background noise, voice recognition, and whistling feedback, the latest hearing aids have developed technology to deal with each of these issues. For instance, digital signal processing makes it possible to identify the voice of a person speaking closest to an individual. With this voice identified, hearing aids can now boost the sound of that voice while reducing the sounds in the background, including other voices in a room. When these technological advancements are paired with Bluetooth connectivity, you can modify settings on your hearing aids directly from an app on your smartphone, customizing the sound profile for the places you frequent.
Fiction: Over-the-counter hearing aids will do just fine for my needs.
Fact: A new wave of over-the-counter hearing aids claims to offer the assistance you need at a lower cost. Although this sticker price can be appealing, these aids can actually do more harm than good. Without being customized to your individual hearing profile, these hearing aids simply raise the volume on the entire spectrum of sound. Though you might get a boost in the frequency ranges that are difficult to hear, you are also inundated with sound in the frequency ranges you can already hear just fine. This additional decibel level can actually cause hearing loss in those ranges, making matters worse. Prescription hearing aids dispensed by a licensed hearing health care professional are the only safe way to assist your hearing.
Fiction: Putting off my hearing test isn’t a big deal.
Fact: Though you might prefer to avoid getting a hearing test, delaying this exam can lead to serious problems for your health and wellbeing. Those who have untreated hearing loss have higher rates of many conditions of physical, mental, and cognitive health. Not only are they more likely to have accidents and falls, but they are also more likely to make return visits to the hospital. When you add to these facts the higher rates of depression, anxiety, social isolation, and dementia, the choice to get a hearing test is clear. Once you have a thorough diagnostic reading of your hearing ability, our hearing health professionals can consult with you about your individual needs. We can recommend hearing aids that are suited to your needs, helping you get the support you need to communicate, participate in your community, and connect with your loved ones. Don’t delay making the appointment, despite what these fictions might tell you!
