When you listen closely, you’ll hear about many hearing aid myths, but that is all that they are: myths. Many people suffer from hearing loss and refuse to get further help for their conditions because of stigmas, incorrect beliefs, or simple misconceptions that are linked to hearing devices. Let’s bust these myths and help you get your hearing back with confidence.
Myth #1- “Hearing aids are for old people.”
While yes, a large majority of the hearing aid market caters to an older generation, they are not the only ones who suffer from hearing loss. Why should they be the only ones who have a solution to their problem? According to the CDC, around 30 million Americans aged 12 years or older suffered a loss of hearing in both ears from 2001-2008.
Myth #2 – “My hearing loss isn’t that bad.”
It is really hard to self-determine how bad your hearing loss is (more on that in #4), especially if it has been a slow progression. Most people, even those suffering from moderate hearing loss, can still hear “normal” sounds but don’t know that they are missing out on so much more. People who use hearing aids for the first time suddenly rediscover sounds such as the babbling of a small child, the songs of birds in the morning, and the crackling of fire logs. By buying a hearing device, you can rediscover the beauty of sound and live life in full volume.
Myth #3 – “I can’t afford hearing aids.”
This hearing aid myth plays a huge factor in one’s decision to actually seek help for their condition, but luckily for those people, this simply isn’t true. President Trump signed a law in office that allowed hearing aids to be sold over the counter, an effort rushed along by Biden. This helps solidify the direct-to-customer market that already gives interesting options. Before this law, only 14% of the 48 million Americans suffering from hearing loss were able to purchase a hearing device. If only they knew you could buy a decent pair of hearing aids for under $300.
Myth #4 – “Getting hearing aids is a hassle.”
Most people think that in order to get hearing aids, they must visit a doctor or an audiologist, but this might be the most expensive hearing aid myth out there. An audiologist will recommend a prescription hearing aid, because it’s what he knows and what keeps him in business. On this website, you’ll find two types of hearing aids. First, there’s a ‘one-size-fits-all’ hearing device, comparable to reading glasses that you buy at the store. The second option is a “self-fitting” hearing device, which is calibrated by a hearing test on your smartphone – these are getting more and more common and popular. Both of these options cut out the middle man to save you money and time.
Discover our favorite hearing aid models on our 30-second review page.
Myth #5 – “I can save money by only getting one hearing aid.”
Technically, yes. You can often buy just one hearing aid. But you could actually worsen your condition by taking this cheap way out. When buying one hearing aid, you are essentially retraining your brain how to process sounds from one side. By only using one, you’re only training one side of your brain. An olympic medalist wouldn’t only train their left arm and not their right. While it would seem more efficient to do it that way, they would only be putting themselves at a disadvantage in the future.
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