Myth: If I had a hearing loss, my family doctor would have told me.
Fact: Not true! Only 13% of physicians routinely screen for hearing loss during a physical. Since many people with hearing impairments hear well in a quiet environment like a doctor's office, it can be virtually impossible for your physician to recognize the extent of your problem. Without special training, and an understanding of the nature of hearing loss, it may be difficult for your doctor to even realize that you have a hearing problem.
Fact: Not true! Only 13% of physicians routinely screen for hearing loss during a physical. Since many people with hearing impairments hear well in a quiet environment like a doctor's office, it can be virtually impossible for your physician to recognize the extent of your problem. Without special training, and an understanding of the nature of hearing loss, it may be difficult for your doctor to even realize that you have a hearing problem.
Myth: Hearing loss affects only "old people" and is merely a sign of aging.
Fact: The reality is quite the opposite. The majority (65%) of people with hearing loss in the U.S. are younger than age 65 – including more than six million people between the ages of 18 and 44 and nearly one and a half million school-aged children.
Fact: The reality is quite the opposite. The majority (65%) of people with hearing loss in the U.S. are younger than age 65 – including more than six million people between the ages of 18 and 44 and nearly one and a half million school-aged children.
Hearing loss affects all age groups. Here are some facts regarding the incidence of hearing loss:
· 3 in 10 people over age 60 have hearing loss
· 1 in 6 baby boomers (ages 41-59) have a hearing problem
· 1 in 14 Generation Xers (ages 29-40) already struggle with hearing loss
· At least 1.4 million children (18 or younger) have hearing problems
· Approximately 3 in 1,000 infants are born with significant hearing loss
Myth: Hearing aids restore hearing to normal just as an eyeglass prescription can restore vision to 20/20.
Fact: Hearing aids do not restore hearing to “normal.” Hearing aids do not “cure” your hearing loss, but they provide benefit and improvement in communication. They can improve your hearing and listening abilities, and they can substantially improve your quality of life.
Myth: You can save time and money by buying hearing aids online or by mail order.
Fact: All hearing care providers are not the same. Audiologists are university trained, have either a Masters or Doctoral degree and are required to complete additional training each year to keep up with today’s hearing research and hearing aid technology. By working with an audiologist, you are purchasing professional care and services to ensure that the correct hearing aid is selected and that proper programming of the hearing aid is completed. Professional care should include:
- Hearing evaluation
- Referral for medical treatment (if needed)
- Hearing aid evaluation
- Verification of fit of hearing aid
- Instruction in how to properly use and maintain the hearing aid
- Follow-up care and support
- Repair services
- Rehabilitation services
Myth: A hearing aid will damage your hearing.
Fact: A properly fitted and maintained hearing aid will not damage your hearing.
Myth: A milder hearing loss is not bad enough for a hearing aid.
Fact: Everyone's hearing loss and listening needs are different. By working with your audiologist, you can determine if a hearing aid is needed and how much it will improve your hearing.
Myth: Wearing two hearing aids is not necessary.
Fact: We normally hear with two ears. Binaural (two-eared) hearing helps us localize sounds, assists us in noisy settings, and provides natural sound quality. Most people with hearing loss in both ears can understand better with two aids than with one.
Myth: The invisible hearing aids worn in the ear are the best hearing aids to purchase.
Fact: There are several styles of hearing aids, and all are “state of the art.” What is most important is that you purchase a hearing aid that accommodates your hearing loss and your listening needs. Just because your friend uses a particular hearing aid style does not mean you have to (or should) use that style. Your friend's style of hearing aid may be a totally inappropriate prescription for your needs.
Would you like to learn more about hearing loss and hearing aids? We welcome your questions and invite you to schedule an appointment to discuss this important issue. Please call 315-463-1724 or email jwaligora@cnymail.com.
Excerpts from Better Hearing Institute www.betterhearing.org, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association www.asha.org
January 2011
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