Doctor Fitting Female Patient With Hearing Aid

Debunking Hearing Loss Myths

Reviewed by Dr. Porter on October 24, 2018

We all love a good myth: Bigfoot, Loch Ness Monster, the Abominable Snowman and many more. Whether we believe them or not, some myths have been debunked with scientific research. Yet, there are still believers.

Many people suffering with hearing loss also come across myths as well.

Here are some of the most commonly heard myths about hearing loss and the truth behind them.

Myth # 1: Hearing loss only happens to you when you become “old”

  • 40% of Americans with hearing loss…are under the age of 60. Hearing loss does have a chance of increasing as you age, but there are precautions you can take to lower those chances.

Myth # 2: Rock Concerts are the cause of hearing loss

  • They do increase the chance of hearing loss later down the road, but they are not the main cause. There are many other factors that contribute to hearing loss: age, genetics, poor diet, diabetes and smoking.

Myth # 3: If you can hear a little bit, you can wait to get hearing aids later in life

  • The longer you wait to get help with your hearing loss, the more difficult it will be to treat your hearing loss. As you age, the auditory system in your brain loses stimulation and stops recognizing sounds. Hearing aids can help your brain “re-teach” itself to hear again.

Myth # 4: I have one “good” ear and one “bad” ear when it comes to my hearing

  • Almost all patients who are under the impression that they have one “good” ear actually have two “bad” ears. When one ear seems to be better than the other, they tend to favor it more for phone calls and group conversations.

Myth # 5: Hearing aids will make every day sound too loud and intolerable

  • Hearing aids do amplify sound, but with today’s technology, they are now designed to automatically adjust to the sounds around you, providing the proper amplification you need.

Myth # 6: Hearing loss doesn’t affect your overall health as you age.

  • Hearing loss may increase your chance of developing dementia. By correcting your hearing loss, you can easily improve your memory and mood, plus decrease your risk of falling by improving balance.

Harbor Audiology is your hearing health care expert, serving the areas of Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, Tacoma, Lakewood, Silverdale and Puyallup, Washington.

Contact us to learn more about how we can help you or to schedule an appointment.

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