Hearing Loss Myths
Myth: Delaying treatment for hearing loss isn’t a big deal.
Truth: Delaying treatment can have long-term consequences — especially for your brain.
This is one of the most detrimental hearing aid myths. Many people believe there’s only one negative consequence of delaying treatment for hearing loss: a reduced ability to hear during that period of time. In fact, the resulting sound deprivation could lead to irreversible hearing loss. So if you delay treatment long enough, hearing aids may not even be able to treat your hearing loss. Early intervention is extremely important for your current quality of life and your future ability to hear.
Also worth mentioning is that hearing is more than just sound — it is how your brain stays engaged, processes speech, and connects with the world around you. When people ignore their hearing loss, the brain receives less stimulation. Over time, this “auditory deprivation” can contribute to social isolation, cognitive decline, and even structural brain changes.
Numerous studies have shown that untreated hearing loss is linked to a higher risk of dementia, causes strained relationships, increases fatigue, and makes day-to-day communication frustrating — for both the listener and everyone around them.
Myth: My hearing loss is hopeless.
Truth: It might feel that way — but there is almost always something that can help.
Hearing loss can be overwhelming, especially when it has been going on for a while or when previous solutions did not work. But please know this: you are not out of options. Many have started their hearing help journey at a Costco or Walgreens, only to discover the limitations of those options. At Sound Relief, we see patients daily who believe they are beyond help. Once we understand their hearing profile, lifestyle, and goals, we can find solutions that make a huge difference. Even if we cannot help with prescription hearing aids, there are still options like Cochlear implants that can help patients with the most profound hearing loss.
Myth: My “good ear” will compensate for my “bad” ear — single-sided deafness.
Truth: Your brain needs both ears working together to hear your best.
If you have a “dead” ear, you might have heard that your other ear, “your good ear,” will compensate for the loss in the other. The reality is, hearing is a two-sided process. Your brain uses input from both ears to localize sound, understand speech in noise, and create a balanced auditory picture of the world around you.
When one ear isn’t working properly — even if the other one seems fine — you may struggle with:
- Understanding conversation in busy places
- Locating where sounds are coming from
- Feeling mentally drained from the extra effort it takes to listen
Over time, the brain’s connection with the weaker ear can fade — a process called auditory deprivation. The longer it goes untreated, the harder it can be to reestablish those pathways later. At Sound Relief, we specialize in creating customized solutions for patients with asymmetrical hearing loss — dead ears. With proper treatment, we can support both ears and help your brain do what it was designed to do — hear clearly, effortlessly, and comfortably.
Don’t let your “good ear” carry the burden alone. It deserves a partner.
Myth: Hearing aids are bulky and uncomfortable.
Not long ago, hearing aids often were large, clumsy, and painful. These days, the devices are typically stylish, lightweight, and discreet. Plus, they’re extremely comfortable and effective. If you explore the various styles available, you’re sure to find a hearing aid that works for you.
Myth: Hearing aids make people look and act old.
It’s important to remember that people of all ages – from kids and teenagers to adults and seniors – suffer from hearing loss. Many young people wear hearing aids, so wearing a device yourself does not say anything about your age. In fact, at Sound Relief, our average patient’s age is 56.
Also, many hearing aids these days are so tiny and inconspicuous that you do not need to worry about how their appearance will make you look. For example, completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids are nearly invisible, and Lyric hearing aids are completely invisible.
Lastly, the symptoms of untreated hearing loss can also make you feel and act old. Having to ask people to repeat themselves constantly can be exhausting for you — and everyone around you. Eventually, you will participate less in conversations, or people may start to avoid you, or both.
Don’t let the stigma of hearing loss hold you back from pursuing a life-changing treatment.
Myth: Wearing two hearing aids is unnecessary.
Humans use both ears to hear properly, so people with hearing loss usually need to wear two hearing aids. The devices allow for binaural (two-eared) hearing, which helps with locating a sound’s origin and hearing in noisy settings. So if your audiologist recommends wearing two hearing aids, listen up!
Myth: Hearing aids make all sounds too loud.
It’s true that some hearing aids amplify all noises – soft and loud, low and high frequency – which can make it difficult to keep the volume at a comfortable level. If you increase the volume to hear soft sounds, for example, conversations may become blaring. Luckily, most modern hearing aids dodge this problem through digital signal processing. Your audiologist can tailor your hearing devices to meet your needs perfectly.
Myth: My hearing loss isn’t that bad, so I don’t need a hearing aid.
Even mild hearing loss can significantly impact a person’s life. For example, do you often have to ask people to repeat themselves? Do your friends and family say you turn the volume up too loud on the TV? No matter what the degree of your hearing loss, if you’ve noticed a decline in your ability to hear, contact an audiologist for help. We can help you can determine if hearing aids are worthwhile in your situation.
Myth: Hearing aids allow people to hear perfectly.
Some assume that, just like a new eyeglasses prescription can restore your vision to 20/20, hearing aids will allow you to hear perfectly again. Unfortunately, this isn’t true. Hearing aids will not “cure” or completely restore your ability to hear. The hearing aid’s technology, the listening situation, and your unique ears will all affect your ability to hear with hearing aids. That said, hearing aids can drastically improve your quality of life and maximize your ability to hear.
Myth: Hearing aids are too expensive.
Hearing aids are available at various prices, but as with many other purchases, you get what you pay for. Don’t avoid contacting an audiologist because you’re afraid of the cost. We can help you find an excellent hearing aid within your budget.
Myth: You can save time and money by buying hearing aids online or by mail order.
You simply won’t receive the quality care you deserve if you buy your hearing aids online or through the mail. In addition to helping you select and buy your hearing device, an audiologist will properly program the hearing aid. Plus, your audiologist will evaluate your hearing, evaluate your hearing aid’s effectiveness and fit, tell you how to care for the hearing aid, offer follow-up care, repair your hearing aid if needed, and much more.
Myth: My hearing loss is normal for my age.
While it’s true that hearing loss often increases with age (age-related hearing loss is known as presbycusis), that doesn’t mean you must accept hearing loss and the toll it takes on your life. If your hearing loss affects your quality of life, talk to an audiologist. Your age should not factor into the decision.
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Did any of these hearing loss myths throw you for a loop? If you are living with hearing loss — or your family is telling you that you are — take action today. Getting help early can make a huge difference, and today’s hearing devices are more advanced, discreet, and personalized than ever — and our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Don’t wait. Your brain — and your quality of life — deserve better than “maybe later.”
To learn more about us, please browse our website, visit our Youtube channel, or give us a call at 720-344-7600. You can also schedule an appointment online to meet with one of our audiologists. We look forward to hearing from you!