Hearing Loss Myths

If I had a hearing loss, I would know about it.

Not always. Hearing loss usually develops slowly and subtly.  We compensate by lip reading and asking others to repeat themselves. Many times we adjust and get used to it as it is happening.  Unfortunately, it is common to wait about 7 years before doing something about a hearing loss.  A simple hearing test would determine if a hearing loss exists and to what degree.

Everyone mumbles when they talk.

This is a VERY common complaint.  Although some people do, thinking that ALL people mumble typically means it’s time to accept that it’s your hearing.

I’ve heard that my type of hearing loss can’t be helped.

Nearly 95% of individuals with hearing loss can be helped through amplification.  New technologies emerge every year, so you may now be able to be helped when just a few years ago you were told you couldn’t. One of the most significant changes has been the ability of people with high frequency hearing loss to use open fit hearing aids. These devices are very tiny, fit on top of the ear, and provide a clear transparent type of amplification to make speech clearer.

If I had a hearing loss, my physician would have told me.

This may not be the case. Unfortunately, very few physicians routinely screen for hearing loss during a physical or ask their patients about it. And since most visits are in the quiet of an office visit, it may be virtually impossible for your doctor to recognize your difficulty with hearing unless you tell him/her about it.

Hearing aids will restore my hearing to normal.

It is very important to have realistic expectations as to what hearing aids can and cannot accomplish. Hearing aids cannot restore hearing nor can they cure your hearing problem. They can, however, AID you in getting the most out of what you have remaining and are extremely successful at restoring a person’s communication ability.

Hearing aids totally eliminate distracting background noise

Understanding speech in a noisy environment has always been difficult for people, especially when you have hearing loss.  Overall benefit may depend on proper fit, frequency of use, type of digital processing, use of directional microphones, auditory rehabilitation, the severity of the loss, and the accuracy of the patient evaluation. With this in mind, there are definitely ways to make background noise more tolerable, but it is impossible to eliminate it.

Hearing aids are large and ugly.

They used to be, but they aren’t anymore. Most people aren’t aware of the latest technological advances that have been made in hearing aids.  Most hearing aids go unnoticed unless you point out that you’re wearing them!!

Wearing a hearing aid is a sign you’re getting old.

Although hearing loss is more common in older adults, many middle age and younger people are affected as well. Tthere are close to 8 million people in the United States between the ages of 18 and 44 with hearing loss. Remember, the behaviors of someone with hearing loss are more noticeable than wearing a hearing aid.

Hearing aids are just too expensive.

Let’s break down the cost of owning a set of hearing aids. People usually spend between $4,000 and $6,000 on a pair of good hearing aids. They usually last about 5 years or 1,825 days. The typical person wears their hearing aids about 12-14 hours per day. So for about $2.20 – $3.30 per day, hearing aids can help re-store your ability to watch TV, be more productive at work, help with your personal relationships, enjoy the outdoors, and generally improve quality of life. When it comes to that, can you really put a price on enjoying life?

Hours of Operation

Evening and occasional Saturday hours are available by appointment only.

East Norriton Office

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-7:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

By Appointment

Sunday:

Closed

Philadelphia Office

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 pm-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

By Appointment

Sunday:

Closed