As your local hearing aid specialists, we have heard all the misconceptions people have about hearing aids. From believing that all hearing aids are beige and bulky to not wanting to wear hearing aids because their friends have had bad experiences, there are a lot of misconceptions about hearing aids. Worse, some of these misconceptions used to be true, making it hard to separate fact from fiction.
So, if you need to buy hearing aids to correct your hearing loss, but these hearing aid misconceptions have been holding you back, we are here to bust these hearing aid myths.
1. Hearing Aids All Use Tiny Batteries
One common misconception about hearing aids is that they all operate using tiny batteries. While some smaller hearing aid models have the hurdle of using small hearing aid batteries, there are tools to help with hearing aid battery replacement, and Behind-The-Ear (BTE) and some Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) style hearing aids use larger batteries.
Also, not all hearing aids use disposable batteries. For example, the major hearing aid brand Oticon has several styles of rechargeable hearing aids. That way, you don’t have to deal with small batteries—instead, you just pop your hearing aids onto their charger as you go to bed.
2. There Are No Attractive Hearing Aids
The mental image that most people have of hearing aids is of large, bulky devices that stuck out from behind their grandparents’ ears. If that’s what hearing aids still looked like, we could understand why people wouldn’t want to wear them.
But modern digital hearing aids have become smaller, more discreet, and in some cases, much more attractive. The Signia Styletto hearing aids are a great example of attractive hearing aids that are designed to look more like jewelry than a hearing device.
3. Everyone Will Notice My Hearing Aids
Along with concerns about the look of your hearing aids, many people believe that hearing aids are obvious, and everyone will notice them. Yet, depending on your level of hearing loss, you may be able to use In-The-Ear (ITE) style hearing aids.
These hearing aids are much smaller than BTE and RIC hearing aid styles, and some are almost completely invisible when put in your ear.
4. Long-Wear Hearing Aids Don’t Exist
A frustration that some hearing aid users have is that they need to constantly take their hearing aids in and out of their ears, maintenance them, and other regular caretaking activities. While these things are essential to extend the lifespan of your hearing aids, there is an extending-wear hearing aid option.
Lyric hearing aids—produced by Phonak—are able to be worn 24/7, and they are completely invisible once placed by one of our hearing instrument specialists. These hearing aids don’t need battery changes or any care from you, all while Lyric hearing aids work to provide you with amplified hearing.
5. Hearing Aids Make Phone Calls And TV Watching Difficult
Some hearing aids—especially older models—can make phone calls, TV watching, and even listening to music hard. However, most modern hearing aids have workarounds for these issues.
For instance, many hearing aids now come with a telecoil. With your telecoil switched on, phones, TVs, and other devices that are t-coil compatible can be streamed directly to your ears without the interference that used to make using hearing aids tough.
Also, you can find hearing aids that have built-in wireless connectivity! With this Bluetooth connectivity, you can connect your hearing aids to your smartphone and seamlessly stream phone calls, or connect to your TV streamer and have the sound delivered directly to your hearing aids. Music can also be streamed from your smartphone to your connected hearing aids. And if you aren’t very tech-savvy, we are always here to help.
6. Only Senior Citizens Need Hearing Aids
The misconception that only senior citizens need hearing aids is damaging and prevents people from seeking the hearing loss help they need to function at the best of their abilities. In reality, hearing loss doesn’t care how old or young you are—it can impact your life and will without treatment.
Here at Hearing Associates of Las Vegas, we have helped people of all ages find the perfect hearing aids. If you are worried about style and appearance, don’t be afraid to speak up! We can help you find hearing aids you can feel good about wearing.
7. All Hearing Aids Are Uncomfortable
We have had people express the concern that they don’t know if they will wear their hearing aids, as they have heard—sometimes from family and friends—that hearing aids are all uncomfortable. The thing is, your hearing aids should not be uncomfortable, and if they are, be sure to speak up!
If your hearing aids are uncomfortable, that likely can be fixed. We can recast your earmold, or have our hearing instrument specialists reprogram your hearing aids to suit your hearing better. Sometimes, the entire shell of an ITE style hearing aid needs to be recast to fit your ear correctly and comfortably. Bottom line, be sure to speak up if your hearing aids are causing discomfort because they shouldn’t with the right care.
8. I Only Need One Hearing Aid
Hearing aids can be expensive. So, as a cost-saving measure, some individuals may think that one hearing aid is better than none. While it is better to have some hearing, rather than none, having one hearing aid can leave you off-balance and make hearing even more frustrating, as you will still be limited on what you can hear.
Instead, we always recommend hearing aid pairs. As hearing aids communicate with each other to provide you with a better audio “picture” and help with your balance, it is best if you get two hearing aids.
If you are struggling to believe that these hearing aid misconceptions are not true, you can always visit us and try out some hearing aids with our hearing instrument specialists. Contact us for an appointment and receive a complimentary hearing evaluation and hearing aid demo!
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