Publications
Partners
Here are 10 hearing myths you should stop believing now.
Hearing loss is straightforward, right? Either you’re deaf or you’re not. Not really, though. This is an example of a hearing loss myth.
Let’s look at a few more.
Myth: With age, comes hearing loss.
Fact: Although the elderly suffer more from severe hearing loss, the highest rates are people under the age of 65. This means that a
high percentage is still at school or working.
Myth: If I speak loudly, someone with hearing loss will hear me.
Fact: Shouting distorts the mouth and makes lip reading difficult. Speak in a normal tone of voice, look at the listener, and sound out
your words clearly.
Myth: If I had hearing loss, my doctor would have told me.
Fact: A doctor’s office is generally very quiet, so most people with hearing impairments will not struggle as much to hear while there.
Only doctors who have had special hearing loss training will understand the extent of your problem and realise that you have
a hearing problem.
Myth: Hearing aids will make everything sound too loud.
Fact: Hearing aids are amplifiers. With today's hearing aids, the sound circuit works automatically, only providing the amount of amplification, according to your hearing needs. Hearing aids have the capability to be adjusted with an optional volume button on some hearing aids and/or optional remote control.
Myth: For people with hearing loss, everything is equally hard to hear.
Fact: Some consonants tend to be harder to hear than others. These include S, T and H, depending on the configuration and severity of
your hearing loss. If you’re having trouble hearing only certain sounds, it’s a good idea to check with an ear specialist.
Myth: My hearing loss can’t be helped.
Fact: Hearing loss can be improved with hearing aids, surgery, medication or a simple ear wax removal procedure. It would be best to
consult with a specialist.
Myth: Hearing aids will restore my hearing to normal levels.
Fact: Hearing aids contain sensitive microphones that can focus on speech while reducing noise. This improves your ability to hear better
than without the hearing aids, but it doesn’t allow your hearing aid to restore your hearing to normal levels.
Myth: A hearing aid will damage your hearing.
Fact: A properly fitted and maintained hearing aid will not damage your hearing. Do not buy hearing aids from a shop off the shelves
as this can damage your hearing. Visit an audiologist who will select and fit hearing aids appropriate to your hearing needs.
Myth: Slight hearing loss isn’t that serious.
Fact: The longer you wait, the harder it will be to treat your hearing loss. That's because the auditory system in the brain stops recognising sounds as your hearing worsens. Hearing aids can help your brain to reprogramme itself once its auditory system begins getting the proper nerve stimulation.
Myth: I would know if I had hearing loss.
Fact: Hearing loss happens gradually and the signs are subtle. A simple hearing test can help you gain insight, while a diagnostic assessment can provide a more comprehensive answer.
