Hearing Loss FAQ and Myths

Hearing Aids FAQ

Is hearing loss common?
Yes, hearing loss is the third leading chronic health condition among American adults. It affects more than 30 million Americans.

How do I know if I have hearing loss?
There are several signs of hearing loss. They include: difficulty communicating with, and understating others, irritability and even depression. Scheduling a hearing test is the best way to determine whether you have hearing loss.

What can I expect from a hearing test?
A comprehensive hearing test includes a variety of assessments to determine the severity of your hearing loss. You may also be fitted for a personalized hearing aid and in some cases, you can leave with your new hearing aids that same day.

Will I benefit from hearing aids?
It depends. If you suffer from hearing loss, hearing aids can greatly improve your quality of life. They’ve been shown to benefit 9 out of 10 people who have hearing loss.

How many types of hearing aids are there?
There are a variety of hearing aid styles available. Some of the most popular styles include Behind-The-Ear, Inside-The-Ear, Open Fit and Completely-In-The-Canal. Some of the latest styles are so discreet, they’re called Nearly Invisible.

Are hearing aids comfortable?
The comfort of hearing aids has improved tremendously over the last decade. There is even a category of hearing aids called Comfort Style, because of how well they fit in the ear. Many hearing aids are also molded to fit your specific ear.

Hearing Loss Myths

From the Better Hearing Institute

I'll just have some minor surgery like my friend did, and then my hearing will be okay.
Many people know someone whose hearing improved after medical or surgical treatment. It's true that some types of hearing loss can be successfully treated. With adults, unfortunately, this only applies to 5-10% of cases.

I have one ear that's down a little, but the other one's okay.
Everything is relative. Nearly all patients who believe that they have one "good" ear actually have two "bad" ears. When one ear is slightly better than the other, we learn to favor that ear for the telephone, group conversations, and so forth. It can give the illusion that "the better ear" is normal when it isn't. Most types of hearing loss affect both ears fairly equally, and about 90% of patients are in need of hearing aids for both ears.

Hearing loss affects only "old people" and is merely a sign of aging.
Only 35% of people with hearing loss are older than age 64. There are close to six million people in the U.S. between the ages of 18 and 44 with hearing loss, and more than one million are school age. Hearing loss affects all age groups.

If I had a hearing loss, my family doctor would have told me.
Not true! Only 14% of physicians routinely screen for hearing loss during a physical. Since most 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.