Fiction vs. Fact when
it comes to your hearing
1. Fiction: Only a few people truly are hearing impaired. Neither you nor I will be among those affected.
Fact: The odds are that you or someone close to you has some degree of hearing impairment. It is estimated that 20 million Americans suffer from some form of hearing impairment.
2. Fiction: If I suffered from hearing loss or impairment I certainly would know about it.
Fact: This is not necessarily true. Often an impairment develops slowly over the course of time. Our own built-in defenses make it difficult to determine whether we do or don't. A simple hearing test can rectify this.
3. Fiction: Will hearing aids restore my hearing to normal?
Fact: Hearing aids, as the name implies, are designed to aid a person's hearing. Hearing aids do not restore human hearing nor can they retard the progression of nerve deafness. They are only a part of hearing rehabilitation and may need to be supplemented by auditory training.
4. Fiction: Will my hearing aids help in the presence of distracting background noise?
Fact: Understanding, especially in a noisy environment, will vary depending on each individual's hearing loss. Overall benefit may depend on proper fit, frequency of use, auditory rehabilitation, the severity of hearing loss, and on the accuracy of the patient evaluation.
5. Fiction: When someone is hearing impaired, that just means that sounds are not loud enough.
Fact: That's just part of it. Perhaps the person may have trouble hearing in crowds or in groups. Perhaps they hear but don't always understand what is being said. Words may seem mumbled or perceived as running together. These are only a few of the symptoms.
6. Fiction: Hearing aids are large and unsightly. Most people don't want to wear them.
Fact: Most people are not aware of the latest technological advances that have been made in hearing aids. Many people can wear hearing aids that are extremely small and discreet. These technically advanced hearing aids have made most of the old ones obsolete.
7. Fiction: Wearing a hearing aid is a sign you're getting old.
Fact: Although hearing impairments are frequently found in older adults, many middle age and younger people are affected as well. There are many factors that determine hearing loss beyond just age. A hearing loss is more noticeable than a hearing aid.