Hearing loss is a complex subject. Loud noises are only one of its many causes. And, its impact on your daily life is considerable. Naturally, the worst hearing loss myths only make things worse.
Today, you have plenty of ways to make hearing loss bearable. You can adopt certain habits for tinnitus. Yet, there are also many pitfalls.
In this article, I’ll do my best to clarify the most common myths. With hope, I can help you avoid big mistakes.
Worst hearing loss myth #1: Everyone with hearing loss can read lips or use sign language
That’s the first myth by the Hearing Health Foundation. Of course, there are several issues with this belief. Not everyone knows sign language or how to read lips.
Sign language is a unique world with syntax and grammar rules. It’s like learning a new language. Likewise, reading lips isn’t a reliable way to understand what others say.
What’s the truth?
Hearing loss spans a huge spectrum. Some people hear everything “muffled”. But, others might only have one working ear. Then, we have completely deaf patients.
We also have to account for people born deaf. They’re more likely to learn sign language. But, people who lost their hearing gradually might have issues getting used to it.
Worst hearing loss myth #2: Hearing loss is only about hearing
Hearing loss seems fairly straightforward. It makes hearing more difficult. Sure, it can range from mild to severe or deafness. But, it’s still only focused on your hearing.
Francis Audiology mentions this myth in their list. It might not interfere with direct treatment. That said, it disrupts how we can treat hearing loss’ side effects.
What’s the truth?
Hearing loss leads to other complications. For instance, I’ve covered its links to anxiety and cognitive decline. This study summarizes the direct correlation between hearing loss and dementia.
It also makes sense. Your brain might relocate resources from memory to hear. That’s because impaired hearing demands more effort. Thus, the cognitive load outweighs short-term memory.
Worst hearing loss myth #3: It only happens to old people
We seem to accept too many conditions as exclusive to old people. We do it with dementia as well. Likewise, everyone has a grandparent who listens to the TV loudly.
All that means we tend to see them as normal. But, hearing loss can happen to anyone at any age. This is among the worst hearing loss myths due to its consequences. It could keep people from taking preventative measures.
What’s the truth?
Almost 15% of kids between 6 and 19 suffer from hearing loss. Yes, age and genes can play a role in its incidence. That doesn’t mean it’s the only reason people’s hearing suffers.
Loud noise and concerts, traffic, and other issues can arise. Many of them come at an early age. So, it’s vital to keep them in mind and rest accordingly. Don’t think age grants you hearing immunity.
Worst hearing loss myth #4: Hearing aids work like glasses
Again, this one comes from another list by the Hearing Health Foundation. And, you’ll see that many misconceptions involve aids.
Essentially, people think hearing aids are instantaneous. You’ll just put them on and hear everything better. Some might say they’ll restore your hearing.
What’s the truth?
Now, hearing aids are crucial help for any hearing impairment. They should be among your first considerations. But, they’re not perfect. You won’t put them on and instantly hear better.
People hear differently. Some have difficulty hearing certain frequencies without hearing impairments. So, hearing aids need calibration and revisions. In many cases, it takes several attempts to fine-tune the device.
Worst hearing loss myth #5: Any hearing aid can work for you
This myth stems from the last one. Sure, glasses are often tailored to people. But, what works for someone could work for you.
That doesn’t happen with hearing aids. And, it’s because of how much programming they need. Not everyone has the same hearing ability. So, you shouldn’t buy a hearing aid online or by mail.
What’s the truth?
Again, we have to go back to hearing differences. Healthy people already translate certain frequencies uniquely. With hearing loss, that becomes more noticeable.
Every hearing aid needs custom fitting to work properly. If that’s not the case, it could make things worse. Remember: we’re not just talking about losing money. Hearing some noises can be the difference between safety and danger.
Worst hearing loss myth #6: You can’t prevent hearing loss
Yes, genetics play a role. You can’t do much about them. But, hearing loss is mostly preventable. In most cases, hearing loss comes from lifestyle.
Your workplace and general environment play a huge role. Wearing hearing protection can diminish the risk. Likewise, resting your ears also keeps them healthy.
What’s the truth?
This is one of the worst hearing loss myths on this list. It keeps people from taking action to prevent the condition. In reality, it’s not too difficult.
It’s roughly the same with age. You don’t have to accept hearing loss as an aging sign. Visit a health professional and check yourself. You’ll be grateful.
Worst hearing loss myth #7: You don’t need hearing aids if your hearing is “mostly fine”
This is another common myth. If you can hear fine, why would you get hearing aids? Hearing loss isn’t always extreme. You can have a slight difficulty hearing others.
So, putting off hearing aids might sound fine. After all, you can use the money for more pressing matters. That can be as bad as not preventing it.
What’s the truth?
Naturally, waiting until things get worse is a bad idea. You’re deliberately choosing to mess with your hearing. You’ll be waiting till it’s too late to change.
Waiting for longer means treatment will be harder. The same goes for hearing aids. You’ll likely spend more money if you wait.
Worst hearing loss myth #8: Hearing loss is always noticeable
How couldn’t you notice hearing loss? You’ve heard fine for all your life. It’s impossible not to notice when things get muffled.
… Right?
Again, it’s not that simple. Hearing loss is rarely radical. In most cases, your hearing will gradually worsen. That makes it harder to notice the difference.
What’s the truth?
You won’t stop hearing clearly at once. Hearing loss often occurs in stages. So, you’ll quickly “get used” to your new hearing. This makes it harder to notice.
That’s particularly true when coping is easy. You might merely up the volume a bit. It’ll also take a while before others notice it.
Worst hearing loss myth #9: Hearing loss is a natural sign of aging
Of course, this is similar to the prevention myth. Hearing loss isn’t a natural condition. Your genes might play a role. But, your lifestyle does more.
In reality, many hearing loss patients are under 60. The worst hearing loss myths actively interfere with treatment. So, this myth can be a huge problem down the line.
What’s the truth?
Young people tend to experience hearing loss as much as older people. That holds for short and long-term hearing loss.
It also makes a lot of sense.
Younger adults don’t “need” to worry as much about their health. The belief that hearing loss is for older people plays a huge role in that. In the end, they expose themselves to more risk factors.
Worst hearing loss myth #10: Surgery can cure hearing loss
This is another usual entry in myth lists. Yes, surgery can solve some cases. But, they’re the exception rather than the norm.
Hearing loss isn’t as simple as other conditions. Most hearing loss patients can’t “fix it” with medical intervention. But, that doesn’t mean it’s useless.
What’s the truth?
“Curing” hearing loss would involve regenerating hair cells. That’s simply not possible—at least for now. Once they’re damaged, they’re gone for good.
And, these cells account for most hearing loss instances. Of course, other causes could be reversible. But, it’s the minority of cases.
Worst hearing loss myth #11: You’re doomed if you have hearing loss
So, that has to mean hearing loss means hearing doom. Medical intervention can’t regenerate hair cells or nerves.
As such, you’re out of luck. Bad hearing will become part of your life. But, this hearing loss myth only “sounds” real. The truth is more hopeful.
What’s the truth?
Today, hearing aids can do wonders for anyone. No, they won’t “fix” your ears. Yet, that’s not necessary. Technology can do wonders for any patient today.
Hearing aids have become more effective and affordable. When done properly, you’ll feel like before your hearing worsened. Plus, they’re more comfortable than ever.
Worst hearing loss myth #12: Only X thing can cause hearing loss
As I mentioned, it’s the age for some. For others, it’s their workplace, rock concerts, and other noises. Many people believe that there’s only one cause behind hearing loss.
Sure, it’s true in some instances. That doesn’t mean your hearing loss doesn’t come from many sources. Our lifestyles dictate most of our health issues.
What’s the truth?
Yes, all those factors can mess with your hearing. But, they’re not mutually exclusive. The more you saturate your hearing, the worse it’ll get.
In the end, it’s about abusing your hearing. That’s the real factor behind hearing difficulties. So, make sure you’re resting enough!
Worst hearing loss myth #13: Hearing aids are complex for users
Hearing aids are intimidating for many. That’s why they’re so prevalent in myth lists. And, it makes sense. They’re devices that “translate” frequencies for your brain.
Likewise, they need fine-tuning, programming, and more. Everyone’s different. The same goes for hearing aids. So, why would you bother?
What’s the truth?
Well, that’s because they’re not complicated! Your healthcare professional takes care of everything. As a user, you merely have to put them on.
The most complex part is giving feedback. Your only task is to report how they feel. From there, they’re no different from any other hearing device.
Worst hearing loss myth #14: A hearing aid only amplifies sounds
Hearing loss makes everything sound quieter, right? So, hearing aids are only for amplification. They just make everything sound louder.
That also means things might sound too loud.
That’s one of the worst hearing loss myths because of that doubt. It can make you think hearing aids do more harm than good.
What’s the truth?
In reality, hearing aids are a bit more complex. They work more with sound processing and noise reduction. So, they’re not amplifying everything.
In other words, hearing aids clarify your environment. They quiet loud frequencies. As a result, you can hear others easily.
Worst hearing loss myth #15: Hearing aids can prevent further loss
Finally, we have the only hearing loss myth that “sounds good.” Hearing aids improve hearing loss. But, they can’t prevent its worsening.
Then, don’t think you’re fine just because you have hearing aids. You still have to limit your exposure to loud noises.
What’s the truth?
Hearing aids amplify and dim sounds accordingly. The goal is to make your environment clearer. But, they can’t stop your hearing from becoming damaged.
Think of it as “pausing” your condition. You still have to prevent further hearing loss by yourself. So, avoid those loud concerts and traffic.
The holistic takeaway
The worst hearing loss myths actively harm you. They can mess with treatment or worsen the condition. As such, spotting and avoiding them is crucial if you want to offset the condition.
Most of these myths involve hearing aids and causes. So, they can prevent you from finding help. The same holds for preventing the condition.
Always make sure you’re in touch with a professional. They can help you clarify any doubts.
Likewise, supplementation can be of great help if you suffer from hearing loss. That’s why I recommend Synapse XT. It improves how the brain processes auditory signals. So, it tackles tinnitus’ root.
If you want to learn more, check out my review!
0 Comments