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10
Common Myths and
10 Surprising Facts
The
effect of a hearing impairment is subtle, yet devastating. Today,
over 30 million Americans suffer from a hearing impairment. Many
are not even aware of it and, tragically, only a fraction do something
about it.
Normal
sound perception is a vitally important factor in our lives. Yet,
all too often it's taken for granted. Our listening environment
is shaped by sound in a complex ever-present background, much of
which is beneath our awareness.
On
a subconscious level, these sounds provide us with a true sense
of participation and security in the world. Overtly, there are
signals
of danger and sounds vital for communication.
While
millions of Americans are hearing impaired, most people are burdened
with misconceptions about hearing and what hearing aids can do to
help.
Myths
are passed around and prevent people from getting the facts. Here
are the 10 Common Myths and 10 Surprising Facts:
1.
Myth: Only a few people are truly hearing-impaired and chances
are, neither I nor those close to me are affected.
Fact: The odds are that you or someone close to you has
some degree of hearing impairment. In fact, it has been estimated
that 30 million Americans suffer from some form of hearing impairment.
2. Myth:
If I had hearing
impairment, I certainly would know about it.
Fact:
Not necessarily. Often an impairment develops slowly and subtly.
Our built-in defenses may make it difficult for us to determine
whether we do or do not have a hearing loss. A simple hearing
test
would determine if an impairment exists.
3. Myth:
Those who have
a hearing loss are doing something about it.
Fact: Less than one out of seven do something about
it. Only 15% of all people with hearing impairment use hearing
aids. As our population grows older, there will be an ever increasing
need for help.
4. Myth:
When someone
has a hearing loss, that just means that sounds are not loud enough.
Fact:That’s just part of it. Some people may specifically
have trouble hearing in crowds, or in group conversations. Perhaps
they hear but don't always understand what’s being said.
Words may seem to be mumbled or may just run together. These are
just a few of the symptoms.
5. Myth:
Hearing aids
are large and unsightly. Therefore,most people don’t want
to wear them.
Fact: Tremendous technological advances have been made
in hearing aids. Most people can wear today's modern hearing aids
which are amazingly small and discreet. Some are so small as to
be essentially unnoticeable.
6. Myth:
Wearing hearing aids is a sign you’re getting old.
Fact: Although hearing impairments are common in older
adults, many middle-age and younger people are affected as well.
There are many determining factors beyond just age.
7. Myth:
I’ve heard
that my type of hearing loss can’t be helped.
Fact: In
most cases, nerve deafness can be helped through amplification.
There is now hope for those who have been told they couldn’t
be helped.
8.
Myth: Hearing aids just don't work. I've tried them.
Fact: You may have tried hearing aids that amplified
background noise too much, causing confusion in what you heard.
Or, perhaps your hearing aids didn't fit well, making them uncomfortable
and obvious to others. Tremendous technological efforts in recent
years have focused on these problems and has provided solutions
to most of the situations.
9. Myth:
Hearing aids are too expensive.
Fact: The very best hearing aids available are well within
the reach of most people. The improvement in quality of life alone
will demonstrate that hearing aids are one of the wisest investments
you can make.
10. Myth:
Hearing tests are expensive and inconvenient.
Fact: Not so. Most insurance's cover hearing tests with
a physicians referral. Testing is quick and easy.
Click
here for the Triplet Hearing & Balance Centers® closest to you for details.
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