10 Hearing Myths — Busted!
How much do you really know about your hearing? Take our quiz to find out! Over the last few decades, major advances have helped us better understand hearing loss. But there’s a lot of misinformation out there.
1. I’d know if I had hearing loss.
TRUE
Hearing loss is often so gradual that you may not notice it at first. As your hearing loss increases, you may compensate by turning up the volume or asking people to repeat themselves. It’s common to deny the problem initially, then blame others for mumbling or keeping the TV volume too low.
FALSE
People with hearing loss don’t always realize it at first. If others tell you to you need a hearing test, it’s time to get one, especially when you consider that your odds of having hearing loss are 1 in 5.
2. It’s not worth the trouble to improve my hearing.
TRUE
Better hearing will improve your life, especially your relationships with friends, family and coworkers. Hearing loss can be frustrating for you and lead to social withdrawal and depression. It can drive your family nuts when they constantly have to repeat themselves or leave the room because the TV is too loud. The best solution is to deal with hearing loss rather than act as if it isn’t a problem. It’s not too much trouble either.
FALSE
Better hearing will improve your life, especially your relationships with friends, family and coworkers. And it’s not too much trouble. Just give us a call at 281-374-4979. Better hearing is just a phone call away.
3. It doesn’t matter if I put off getting hearing aids.
TRUE
Hearing loss gets worse over time. Researchers even have a name for this: “auditory deprivation.” The longer you ignore your hearing loss, the more hearing you’ll lose that can never be recovered. Hearing aids can help, but only if you have enough hearing left to be saved. And the longer you live with hearing loss, the harder it is to adjust to using hearing aids.
FALSE
Timing is important. The longer you ignore your hearing loss, the more hearing you’ll lose that can never be recovered. Hearing aids can help, but only if you have enough hearing left to be saved. And the longer you live with hearing loss, the harder it is to adjust to using hearing aids.
4. If I can’t hear clearly, I just need to turn up the volume.
TRUE
Turning up the volume on your TV or asking others to speak louder might help you hear better for the moment. But don’t expect to have the best relationships. When people know they’ll constantly have to repeat themselves, they tend to save themselves the trouble by avoiding you. And not getting a hearing aid if you need one could actually make your hearing worse!
FALSE
Turning up the volume on your TV or asking others to speak louder doesn’t solve your hearing problem like professionally programmed hearing aids can. Call us today to get the hearing help you need.
5. Hearing aids don’t work for most people.
TRUE
Hearing aids work for almost everyone, especially if you use the right technology with the right settings. The key is to work with your hearing specialist to find the right hearing aid, programmed for your specific hearing loss. Fitted and adjusted to your lifestyle, your hearing aids will almost certainly help you hear better.
FALSE
You’re right! Hearing aids will work for almost everyone, especially if you use the right technology with the right settings. The key is to work with your hearing specialist to find the right hearing aid, programmed for your specific hearing loss. Fitted and adjusted to your lifestyle, your hearing aids will almost certainly help you hear better.
6. Hearing aids are ugly.
TRUE
Not any more. It’s true that older models were large, and there were few options. But today, the newest models are sleek and small, with some types that fit completely inside the ear canal, making them nearly invisible.
FALSE
Hearing aids have never looked better because they’re less noticeable. The newest models are sleek and small, with some types that fit completely inside the ear canal, making them nearly invisible.
7. Hearing aids will make me look — and feel — old.
TRUE
First, hearing loss affects people of all ages. Second, hearing clearly and participating in conversations with confidence can help you stay young and vibrant. What will make you seem old: constantly asking people to repeat themselves, missing parts of the conversation and responding inappropriately!
FALSE
Hearing aids can keep you young and vibrant. They help you be part of the conversation. Sound stimulates your brain and your ears to keep them in good working order.
8. To save money, it’s fine to just get one hearing aid.
TRUE
If you have hearing loss in both ears, you need two hearing aids.
There’s a reason you have two ears; you use them both to locate the source of sounds, to maintain balance, and to hear sound clearly regardless of the direction it’s coming from.
FALSE
If you have hearing loss in both ears, you need two hearing aids to hear sound clearly, locate the source of sounds and maintain your balance.
9. Hearing aids are too expensive.
TRUE
It’s all about value! Hearing clearly is part of staying healthy, happy and active. How much is that worth to you? The hearing specialists at The Woodlands Hearing Center will recommend the hearing aid options that best match your hearing needs, your lifestyle and your budget.
FALSE
There are hearing aids at all price points. The hearing specialists at The Woodlands Hearing Center will recommend the hearing aid options that best match your hearing needs, your lifestyle and your budget.
10. You have to learn to live with ringing in your ears.
TRUE
Ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus, isn’t something you have to live with. Our audiologists can help you find a solution to this annoying problem. It could be something as simple as excessive earwax! Call us today to get your hearing checked.
FALSE
There are many possible treatments for ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus. It’s not something you have to learn to live with. Call us today for a hearing evaluation and a solution to this annoying problem.