Fact or Fiction? Get the Scoop Here
It’s easy to get the wrong idea about an “invisible condition” like hearing loss. Misconceptions are commonplace, from antiquated stereotypes to wrong assumptions.
The following common myths are a great starting point for correcting misinformation and removing the stigma associated with hearing loss.
MYTH: You Should Speak Louder to Someone With Hearing Loss
Suppose your car has a damaged speaker, so the sound is a little garbled. When you turn the volume up, does it fix the issue?
Nope! It just makes the distorted sound louder.
Hearing loss is just like that. When aging, loud sounds, or other stressors damage your hearing, the first sounds to go are usually the ones that help you distinguish words.
“Cat” might sound like “hat”; “bug” might sound like “hug.” But over-articulating doesn’t help, because it makes lipreading more difficult, not easier.
If you’re asked to repeat something, don’t simply repeat it loudly: Say it a different way.
MYTH: In-the-Ear Hearing Aids Are Better Than Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids
No single hearing aid style is universally the best — the one that meets your unique listening lifestyle is the one that’s best for you.
In-the-ear styles address hearing loss from mild to severe. They’re discreet, custom-fit to your ears, and a good option for glasses-wearers or those with nasal cannulas, such as those utilizing oxygen. But their small size means less space in which to put electronics, so in many cases they don’t have all the features available in bigger styles.
Behind-the-ear styles are suitable for mild to profound hearing loss and are ideal for those with less dexterity. They also have a larger battery for longer battery life. Plus, you won’t get a plugged-up feeling, which can happen with in-the-ear hearing aids.
MYTH: You’ll Notice When You Develop Hearing Loss
As mentioned previously, aging and other stressors can damage your hearing. But the damage usually happens gradually, so you don’t notice it at first.
Speech might not seem as clear, especially high-pitched voices. Background noise in restaurants might seem more intrusive. Autumn leaves underfoot don’t seem as crunchy.
Then you might start turning up the TV volume. And when did Grandpa Joe start mumbling, anyway?
That’s why family members and co-workers are typically the first to notice you might need a hearing test. It affects them, too.
MYTH: Everyone With Hearing Loss Can Read Lips
Hearing loss is unique to each person who experiences it. It can run the gamut from mild to profound. The technology used could be a hearing aid or an implant.
People are all different ages when they lose their hearing, they get different levels of auditory training, and they have different listening environments. Some people with hearing loss read lips — others don’t. It’s most helpful as a complement to any residual hearing.
But it still helps to face people with a hearing loss when speaking, as visual clues are always helpful, regardless of whether they read lips.
Contact us today if you’re ready to get your hearing tested!