According to experts in hearing healthcare, hearing loss is expected to increase over the next several decades. Unfortunately, however, misconceptions about hearing loss are plentiful. With more people experiencing the condition in years to come, it’s more important than ever to have a greater understanding of the subject.
The Hearing Health Foundation has a list of 17 misconceptions about hearing loss that are frequently touted as the truth, and there are even more than that. Let’s take a closer look at 7 of the most common ones …
Common Misconceptions About Hearing Loss
- Speaking louder helps people with hearing loss hear better. It’s true that amplifying sound can help people with hearing loss hear better. But, that’s not the only factor. Sound clarity is equally important. So, speak up and enunciate your words carefully if you want your message to be heard and understood.
- Hearing aids will restore your hearing to normal levels. Many hearing aid wearers are ecstatic when they are able to once again hear sounds they’ve been missing. Others feel frustrated because their hearing isn’t completely normal, even with a hearing device. It’s important to remember that any assistive hearing device is just that … something that assists you in hearing better, not necessarily returning your hearing levels to ‘normal’.
- Hearing loss only occurs in old people. It is true that hearing loss occurs in many older people, but it can strike at any age. In fact, the Hearing Health Foundation states that only one-third of the 48 million people with hearing loss are actually over the age of 65.
- All individuals with hearing loss know sign language. Typically, only individuals who are deaf or who have profound hearing loss use sign language.
- People with hearing loss aren’t smart or successful. As long as they have the needed accommodations at home, work, or school, people with hearing loss can be just as successful as the hearing population. In fact, there are many famous deaf people who have made significant contributions to society.
- It’s embarrassing to have hearing loss. Many people feel this way, but that doesn’t make this statement true. However, it does keep some people from seeking hearing loss treatment or from using hearing aids.
- Hearing loss is inevitable. This is perhaps one of the most common misconceptions about hearing loss, but it really depends on the cause. Genetic conditions with hearing loss as a symptom, for example, may not be preventable. On the other hand, noise-induced hearing loss can usually be prevented simply by reducing exposure or wearing appropriate hearing protection.
Effective Hearing Loss Treatment From the Experts
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, approximately 37.5 million Americans over age 18 have some sort of hearing loss. At Advanced Hearing Group, we work with these individuals every day and help them to find the best hearing loss treatment to meet their needs.
Don’t believe the common misconceptions about hearing loss. Instead, schedule an appointment with us today and see how we can help you hear better!
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