Are you or a loved one having hearing problems? Don't let misconceptions about hearing impairment prevent you from seeking assistance from Les and the team here in Swindon. Here are three common hearing loss myths we're ready to bust.

Myth 1: Hearing Loss Only Affects the Elderly

While hearing impairment is common among the elderly, anyone can lose their hearing ability. The following are the common causes of hearing loss:

• Working in noisy places like airports, factories, construction sites, and music studios
• Medical conditions such as ear infections, meningitis, tumours, and abnormal bone development
• Ruptured eardrum due to accidents, extreme noises, or poking sharp things into the inner ear
• Aging or genetics
• Medications

Myth 2: You Don't Need Two Hearing Aids if Only One Ear Is Affected

One of the longest-standing debates about hearing aids is whether one is enough or you need to wear one in each ear. According to Harvard Medical School research, one hearing aid may be enough if only one ear is affected.

However, experience from patients with hearing loss suggests that two hearing aids are better than one, despite the differing hearing capacity of your ears. Two hearing aids offer the following benefits:

• You get better reception of sounds from all sides
• The hearing aid on the unaffected ear prevents deterioration of hearing loss
• Two hearing aids localise the sounds to help you determine the exact source of the sound
• Wearing two hearing aids makes it easy for you to filter out background noise to focus on the primary speech sounds

Myth 3: All Hearing Aids Are Noticeable

A common concern that people with hearing loss have is whether people will notice their hearing aids. The truth is that there are discreet and nearly invisible hearing aids you can wear, and no one will notice you have them. Let's take a look at the basic options.

Behind-the-ear (BTE)

BTE hearing aids are virtually visible, but designers have mastered how to make them difficult to detect. For instance, these hearing aids will come in colours that match your skin tone or hair colour for camouflage purposes.

In-the-ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

The ITE hearing aids are even better at going unnoticed because they sit in the ear canal. Some are small to fit in the deeper end of the canal, making it almost impossible for someone to tell you are wearing one. As for the larger ones, they come in customised colours that match the colour of your outer ear.

Find Out the Truth About Your Hearing

It can be frustrating to discover you have a hearing loss and even harder to accept you need help. According to the Hearing Loss Association of America(HLAA), most hard-of-hearing individuals wait up to seven years before seeking treatment.

People have different reasons for delaying an appointment with an Audiologist, but hearing loss myths don't help! Don't let these hearing loss myths not keep you from seeking simple, effective help and support from us here, that can enhance your hearing. Get in touch today Chat with us here