MYTH: All the hearing aids I see are HUGE! That is not for me.
Fact
FACT: Large and obtrusive hearing aids are a thing of the past and have been replaced by sleek, inconspicuous, and stylish versions. Some hearing aid options are literally invisible to the naked eye. There are many styles to choose from, and some can even be tried on in the office.
MYTH: My neighbor bought hearing aids, and he says that they don’t help at all.
Fact
FACT: One individual’s hearing can never be compared to another, even if the hearing loss appears the same on the surface. Many variables play a part in the success of a hearing aid user, including the duration of hearing loss and the fitting process. When an individual continues to have difficulty with new hearing aids, it is the audiologist’s task to adjust the devices so the patient can be successful.
MYTH: Hearing aids won’t help me in noisy environments.
Fact
FACT: Much like other technology, hearing aids are constantly evolving. What was considered to be the best technology five or ten years ago can’t compare to today’s advanced features. These developments have made it easier to hear in the presence of background noise and more clearly on the telephone.
MYTH: Don’t A hearing aids cause a further decline in hearing?
Fact
FACT: Studies have shown that the use of hearing aids may actually prevent a decline in speech comprehension. When you can’t hear sounds, your auditory nerve receives less stimulation and can become “out of shape.” By using hearing aids to make sounds loud enough for you to hear, you can keep your auditory nerve well-exercised and in good working order. For this reason, it is important to get proper amplification as soon as you notice a hearing loss.
MYTH: I have ringing in my ears. I’ve heard nothing can be done for that.
Fact
FACT: Not true! Today, roughly 50 million Americans experience a ringing or buzzing sound in their ears that does not come from the outside environment. This extra sound, called tinnitus, is typically caused by high-pitched hearing loss. For some individuals, tinnitus can become so loud and persistent that it interferes with their quality of life. While there is no known cure for tinnitus, there are several management techniques to help alleviate the symptoms. For example, maskers or high frequency amplification can stimulate the auditory nerve, reducing or eliminating the extra sound. Many individuals have found relief from the chronic ringing using management techniques like these.
Hearing Aid DONTS
Don’t wear the hearing aids in excessively loud environments
Don’t wear the hearing aids in excessively loud environments, such as around power tools and guns. While the hearing aids will not over-amplify a loud sound, they are not designed to block out a sound that is already overly loud. Therefore, they will not protect you from the dangers of excessive noise. Use this rule of thumb: if hearing protection is recommended for the population at large, you should also use hearing protection.
Don’t allow your hearing aids to get wet or too hot or cold.
Don’t allow your hearing aids to get wet or too hot or cold. Hearing aids are designed to withstand a certain amount of moisture (e.g., sweat, a misting rain), but they should be protected from heavy exposure. Do not take hearing aids swimming or in the shower. It’s okay to wear your hearing aids in hot or cold weather, because they’ll be regulated by your body temperature. However, don’t leave them sitting in your car overnight, out in the sun, or by the stove. You should also never put your hearing aids or their batteries in the refrigerator; contrary to popular belief, this is not good for them. Extreme temperatures can create an accumulation of moisture inside your hearing aids and cause them to malfunction.
Hearing Aid DOS
Do wear your hearing aids as often as possible
Do wear your hearing aids as often as possible, whenever you’re awake and dry. The more often you wear them in easy listening situations, such as one-on-one conversations in quiet environment, the better you’ll do in difficult listening situations, such as in a restaurant or with a large group.
Do lightly clean your hearing aids
Do lightly clean your hearing aids each night when you take them off. Focus particularly on the speakers (the part that goes in your ear canal) and the microphones (typically located on the piece that sits above your ear for behind-the-ear hearing aids and on the spot that faces out of your ear canal for in-the-ear hearing aids).
Do store the hearing aids in a case
Do store the hearing aids in a case and with the battery doors open when you’re not wearing them. Keep your hearing aids out of reach from all pets, as they will seek and destroy!