11 Myths About Hearing Loss

The following explanations can help dispel some of the myths and misconceptions about deafness and people with hearing loss.

Hearing loss comes with age & there is nothing you can do about it

False. This may have been true for a number of years ago in some conditions, but with current progress, nearly 95 percent of people with hearing loss caused by problems with the inner ear can be helped with hearing aids, according to the Better Hearing Institute.

Little difficulty hearing is normal. Wait until it really becomes bad before going to a specialist
False. The longer you wait, the more difficult it is to treat hearing loss. That's because the auditory system in the brain stops recognizing sounds as hearing and this will worsen the situation. If you use hearing aids regularly, your brain can learn to reprogram itself after the hearing system that starts getting proper nerve stimulation.

People with hearing loss will understand you better if you speak loudly

False. According to a book about hearing loss, yelling won't help. Will not. Shouting distorts the mouth and makes it difficult to read lips. Speak in a normal voice, look at the listener, and articulate clearly.

My doctor will tell me if I need a hearing aid and refer me to a specialist

Mostly wrong. Studies show that only between 17 and 30 percent of general practitioners do cursory hearing screening, even with elderly patients. They hardly do a full hearing test.

Providing sign language translators is very helpful for people with hearing loss

Right, but only for a small part of them. Of the 48 million Americans with hearing loss, only 500,000 use sign language. But most people's perception is that patients who can't hear are sign language users.

Sign language classes can be very helpful for those with severe hearing loss

That's right, but just learning the basics of any language will really help. In fact, to become fluent in sign language as an adult is a very difficult job.

People with hearing loss can read lips

Right, to a certain extent. Some of us do it much better than others. However, when talking to someone who is deaf or hearing impaired, always make sure they can see your lips.

Hearing aids do not work. It's better to use high-tech cochlear implants

False. Hearing aids work well for most people up to severe hearing loss, and it is considered to be far more effective than cochlear implants for certain people. Experts recommend cochlear implants only when hearing aids are no longer effective. If you delay using hearing aids and think you will jump in using cochlear implants if needed, don't do that. The longer you delay treating the hearing that you need, the more difficult it is to improve.

Hearing loss is a common thing that occurs in older people

Wrong again. Hearing loss is the most visible in the elderly because this is the group most likely to have severe hearing loss and wear visible hearing aids. But 65 percent of those with hearing loss are under the age of 65, and 60 percent are still at school or at work.

The only way to treat hearing loss is with hearing aids or cochlear implants

False. A hearing aid may be effective, but it is expensive, averaging $ 2,400. If your hearing gets worse, then you can start switching to hearing aids.

If hearing aids are needed, my insurance will cover it, right?

Unfortunately no. Some insurance companies have begun to include hearing in the scope of their plans, but most personal plans and company sponsors do not include hearing aids for adults, nor do they exist in most countries.