Hearing loss is often associated with aging or genetic disorders of the ear- many of us believe you are either born deaf or become deaf when you get older and that there is no in-between. This and other misconceptions cause us to take good hearing for granted and not take proper care of our hearing. Here are some of the misconceptions/myths about hearing loss to help you stay informed.

 

Myth: Hearing loss only happens to older people.

Fact: Anyone can get hearing loss, even though it is often associated with older individuals. While it is true that the risk of hearing loss increases with age, there are preventative measures to take to lower the risk. 

 

Myth: Hearing loss doesn’t affect your overall health. 

Fact: Research shows that hearing loss can increase your risk for dementia, further, hearing loss can put you at risk for falls and social isolation. Hearing health is just as important as your physical health.

 

Myth: Talking louder will help a person with hearing loss to understand. 

Fact: Increasing the volume is only part of the solution, clarity is also important. There is a point where increasing the volume begins to distort the quality of sound. To obtain sufficient clarity, people with hearing loss require hearing aids. 

 

Myth: Hearing aids are huge and unattractive. 

Fact: Hearing aids have advanced significantly! They may have been large with fewer options to choose from, but not anymore. Today’s hearing aids come in a wide range of solutions, models, designs and colours-for children, teens, and adults.

 

Myth: Your hearing loss remains the same and does not change.

Fact: No one can predict the future. Someone’s hearing loss may remain the same for the rest of their life, or it may change slowly and progressively or suddenly and dramatically.