Don't Fall for Common Hearing Aid Myths

No matter what the medical specialty, there are always popular myths surrounding them in the public. People love to speculate and one anecdotal story quickly becomes conventional wisdom. This has been exacerbated by the rise of the Internet (strangely, considering how much solid, correct information is readily available), perhaps because people feel more confident than ever in making their own diagnoses instead of seeing a doctor. When it comes to getting a hearing aid, it's important that you see a qualified ear, nose, and throat doctor and an audiologist to see where your auditory loss stands. Here are some myths you should not fall for.

A Hearing Aid Can't Help Me

While this may be true, the chances are that you're wrong. Don't rely on what Aunt Patty said or what you heard on the evening news one night. Go see your doctor and rely on firsthand information related to your own auditory loss. This is the only way to know whether or not an assistive listening device can help you lead a better quality of life. Some people hear that there is no treatment or cure for their form of auditory loss and assume that includes the fact that these devices won't help. It doesn't. These devices are precisely designed for people whose auditory loss cannot be treated or cured by surgery.

All Audio Tests Are The Same

With a pair of headphones or computer speakers, anyone can deliver an audio test to themselves at any time. Don't make the mistake of thinking this is the same as getting your ears checked in a professional setting. There is even a significant difference between getting one of those free screening sometimes offered by hearing aid sales locations and the kind of test you take in the office of an audiologist. If this is your first time considering your auditory loss, make sure your first stop is at a doctor's office so you can get the proper tests and move forward with a good sense of what you're dealing with.

A Hearing Aid Is Worthless

A lot of users make up their mind about their hearing aid within the first week or two of using it. Unfortunately, this simply isn't enough time to give your brain a chance to "relearn" how to hear with the help of the device. There is a learning curve and, for some, it will be a steep one. It isn't akin to putting on a pair of glasses, which is usually a fairly instant improvement. It takes time and adjustment to feel comfortable with one of these devices, so make sure you give it that time before making up your own mind.