• Hearing Loss

    Hearing loss causes communication breakdown that impacts quality of life.

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  • Hearing Aids

    Do I need hearing aids?

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  • Tinnitus

    You don’t have to live with ringing in your ears.

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  • Musicians and Audiophiles

    You Want the Best Sound…We Will Help You Find Your Sound.

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  • Voice

    Is your voice healthy?

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Hearing Loss

Hearing difficulties often causes a breakdown in communication that impacts relationships, quality of life, transmission of information and personal safety. This can cause frustration, embarrassment, isolation and even depression.

The effect of a hearing impairment can significantly handicap a person’s life. Approximately 15% of American adults aged 18 and over report some trouble hearing – that’s 37.5 million people! While millions of Americans are hearing impaired, most people are burdened with misconceptions about hearing and about what hearing aids can do to help.

Here are some of the most common myths about hearing loss:

Myth: If I had a hearing loss, I would know.

Fact: Hearing impairment can develop over time, so you may not be able to tell. The body is accustomed to protecting itself and will compensate for a hearing impairment, making it difficult to determine if there is a loss.

Myth: When someone is hearing impaired, it means sounds aren’t loud enough.

Fact: Not exactly. The person may only have trouble hearing when in a crowd or in a noisy environment. They might be able to hear but don’t understand what is being said because words seem mumbled or jumbled together. It’s not always about volume.

Myth: Will hearing aids restore my hearing to normal?

Fact: Hearing aids, as the name implies, are designed to aid a person’s hearing. They do not restore human hearing nor can they slow the progression of hearing loss. They are one part of hearing rehabilitation and may need auditory training as a supplement.

Myth: Hearing aids are large and bulky – and they’re expensive!

Fact: Hearing aid technology has advanced greatly. There are aids that can connect to your iPhone that are very small and discreet, making old models obsolete. Hearing aid prices also vary. There are inexpensive and expensive models, allowing you to choose what works best for you. Additionally, some insurance plans will cover the cost of the hearing aid so it’s good to check what your plan includes.

MYTH: Wearing a hearing aid means I’m old.

Fact: There are many factors that determine hearing loss beyond just age. Though the rate of hearing loss is higher among the older population, hearing loss affects all ages.

MYTH: There’s nothing that can be done about my hearing loss.

Fact: In most cases, nerve deafness can be helped through amplification. Now there is hope for those who have been told they couldn’t be helped. Among adults aged 70 and older with hearing loss who could benefit from hearing aids, fewer than one in three (30 percent) has ever used them. Even fewer adults aged 20 to 69 (approximately 16 percent) who could benefit from wearing hearing aids have ever used them.

MYTH: Hearing tests are expensive.

Fact: Hearing tests are typically covered by your insurance! If you’re not sure if it’s covered under your plan, we can always check for you. Contact us for help in finding out what your insurance will cover.

 

Written by Doctor