Hearing Aids Myths

Hearing Aid Quiz

Can you distinguish between fact and fiction when it comes to hearing aids and hearing loss?  Try this brief quiz.

1.  Hearing aids restore your hearing.

a) True

b) False

2.  Wearing hearing aids will damage your remaining hearing.

a) True

b) False

3.  Wearing two hearing aids is necessary.

a) True

b) False

4.  Invisible-in-the-ear hearing aids are the best.

a) True

b) False

5.  Hearing aids are not necessary for mild hearing loss.

a) True

b) False

6.  Buying hearing aids on the Internet saves money.

a) True

b) False

7.  Only old people need hearing aids.

a) True

b) False

8.  Hearing loss affects your health.

a) True

b) False

Answers

1.  False.  Unlike wearing corrective lenses for poor eyesight, hearing aids do not restore your hearing.  Hearing aids amplify and transmit sounds so they may be better heard, but they will not restore your hearing.

2.  False.  When hearing aids are properly fitted and programmed, they will not damage your remaining hearing and will not contribute to further hearing loss. 

3.  True.  With normal hearing, we use both ears to determine the location and direction of noise.  If you experience hearing loss in both ears, it is best to wear two hearing aids to simulate natural hearing. 

4.  False.  In-the-ear hearing aids are small and use the latest technology.  However, many other styles of hearing aids also use the “latest technology.”  The best hearing aid is the style that is best for your type of hearing loss, your lifestyle, and your budget.  Audiologists are uniquely qualified to assess your hearing loss and other factors and then recommend the hearing aid that is best for you.

5.  Both.  Everyone’s hearing and their hearing needs are different.  An audiologist can assess your degree of hearing loss and determine if hearing aids are necessary.  Other assisted listening devices may be recommended in lieu of hearing aids if your hearing loss is mild.  

6.  False.  When you buy a hearing aid on the Internet, you only pay for the hearing aids.  That is why the initial purchase price appears to be less.  When you buy hearing aids from an audiologist, you are purchasing professional services that go along with using the device, as well as the actual hearing aid.  When you factor in the cost of initial evaluation, independent training, adjustments/programming, and follow-up care, you will find that you do not save money overall when you buy these services separate from the purchase price of the hearing aid.

7.  False.  People can be born without hearing.  Even if you are born with perfect hearing, hearing loss can occur at any time in life.  Sensorineural hearing loss as a result of aging is only one type of hearing loss. 

8.  True.  Hearing loss can affect your mental health.  Depression and social withdrawal are not uncommon for people with hearing loss.  In addition, older patients with hearing loss show improved balance when they wear their hearing aids.  This may help prevent falls.