30 May Myths and Misconceptions about Hearing Loss: Part 5
Myth: Living with hearing loss isn’t a big deal. It’s normal as I age.
Fact: Beyond the auditory effects of living with a hearing loss (e.g. safety, missing conversation), there are many psychological effects of untreated hearing loss.These can include frustration, social withdrawal, depression, and anxiety. With difficulty communicating, a strain can be put on your relationships with loved ones, and your self esteem can be affected. Rather than let your hearing loss dictate your life or affect the lives of your loved ones, it is far better to address your hearing loss and take control of your hearing health.
Myth: Hearing aids are ugly and obvious.
Fact: Hearing aids can be remarkably discreet. Many people can wear the instruments that are tucked in the ear canal, or are small behind the ear devices, that are often disguised by hairstyles. Also, most people don’t walk around looking at everyone’s ears all the time; you will notice your own hearing aid more than others will. Over time, you will appreciate how much your hearing is improved with the device, that the fact that people may be able to see it won’t bother you.
Myth: Hearing aids don’t work.
Fact: Hearing aids won’t restore lost hearing or stop the progression of age- or noise-related hearing loss. And because hearing is as much a function of the brain as it is the inner ear, hearing aids aren’t the whole story in hearing better; rather they provide the brain with the needed tools to make sense of sound. However, new hearing aid technology such as noise reduction systems, do help most people to hear better in most situations. Even so, it needs to be said that no hearing instrument, no matter how sophisticated, will work unless you are willing to wear and adapt to it.