THE 7 Myths of Hearing Loss Debunked! In this months issue, well take a look at Common Myths. Myth 1: I would be able to tell if I had a hearing loss This excuse is often used by people with hearing loss who have been told by loved ones that they have a problem. In actual fact, hearing loss often occurs so subtly and slowly that its effects might not be obvious to the sufferer at first. If people suggest you might be losing your hearing, it is a good indication you are due for a hearing test. Myth 2: Hearing loss only affects the elderly This one is absolutely not true! Hearing loss can affect anyone at any age. A 2006 report by the Hearing CRC and Vicdeaf found that nearly 50% of hearing impaired Australians are of working age (15-64 year old). Myth 3: Only people with severe hearing loss need hearing aids There are many hearing aids available to suit people with mild to moderate hearing loss, many of which are hardly noticeable or even invisible once fitted. You will be surprised at what a difference hearing aids will make, even if your hearing loss is only mild! Myth 4: Hearing aids restore hearing to normal Unfortunately, this is false. While hearing aids will help you regain some of your lost hearing through clever sound processing and amplification, they cannot completely restore hearing to normal. Your hearing clinician will be able to make sure your hearing device fits your hearing needs as closely as possible. Myth 5: Hearing aids will make me look old False! People of all ages wear hearing aids. Most people won’t even notice you have them, as big, bulky, ‘beige banana’ hearing aids are a thing of the past and new models can be very small and discreet. Myth 6: I can’t afford hearing aids – they are too expensive While it is true that hearing aids can be expensive, there are a multitude of ways to make them more affordable, such as health care rebates, government assistance and interest-free payment plans. You can read more about the cost of hearing aids by calling (941) 357-1866. Myth 7: My hearing loss can’t be helped You cannot know this for sure without consulting a qualified hearing clinician. There are many treatment options for hearing loss today, such as surgical procedures, hearing aids and cochlear implants – sometimes it can be as simple as removing excess earwax. So don’t give up before you have really tried!
Posted on: Mon, 06 Oct 2014 10:44:45 +0000