Don’t let a myth about hearing aids keep you from hearing well for life!
Hearing loss often creeps ups gradually, making it hard to recognize when it’s time for a little help. On average, people wait 7 years before seeking treatment. Why? Often, because of outdated or incorrect information about hearing aids. So today, we are setting the record straight! It’s time to bust five of the biggest myths about today’s hearing aids.
Myth #1: Hearing aids will make me look old
Truth: The truth is… we’re all older than we were yesterday.
Aging happens. And while it’s true that some people experience hearing loss as a result of aging (this type of hearing loss is called Presbycusis), there are other types of hearing loss that occur regardless of age such as:
- Prolonged exposure to noise at work
- Loud noise
- Head or neck injury
- Certain medications
- Autoimmune, Otosclerosis or Meniere’s disease
When it comes to age-related hearing loss, it may be true that the thought of hearing aids (much like your first pair of reading glasses) makes you feel a little older until you get your first pair. But when hearing aids enable the lifestyle you want – unstoppable in your family or social activities and your ability to communicate – you’ll quickly realize that hearing well is one of the secrets to feeling and looking younger.
Plus, treating hearing loss gives you back energy and stamina. Life is for living – get out there and use whatever means necessary to enjoy it!
Myth #2: Hearing aids are ugly
Truth: If your idea of hearing aids is a recollection of a grandparent’s clunky devices in your childhood, you need an update! What we find in the clinic is many people have never seen the latest sleek, modern hearing aids.
The truth is, when it comes to hearing aids, there have never been more styles to choose from.
Hearing aids come in a variety of colours, styles and sizes – whether you want them to blend in and match your skin or hair colour… or stand out to match your belt and handbag!
Widex BEYOND offers hearing aids in colours like Mediterranean Turquoise, Shocking Pink, Sporty Red, as well as more demure colours like Silver Grey and Honey Blonde… the choice is yours!
There are also hearing aids such as Signia Active Pro that look like stylish, sleek earbuds.
Whatever your personal taste, there is a model and a colour to suit your style.
Myth #3: Hearing aids are hard to use
Truth: Hearing aids are designed with you, the wearer, in mind.
Modern hearing aids are made to be easy to use! Your Audiologist will make a recommendation to ensure that you receive the best hearing aids for your individual needs.
There are a number of convenient and useful accessories that allow the wearer to make adjustments without touching the hearing aids. You can control the volume, adjust treble and bass on your hearing aids, turn on Mask Mode, activate programs for changing sound environments and levels of background noise and more.
Accessories that make life even easier:
- Remote controllers and microphones
- Watches that are made specifically for pairing with hearing aids
- TV connectors
- Rechargeable batteries
- Apps that pair with Android and iPhone smart phones
If dexterity is a concern, your Audiologist will recommend a hearing aid style that is better matched to your level of mobility.
Once you’ve made your decision, your Audiologist will guide you through the set-up of your hearing aids and accessories, including Bluetooth® pairings and make sure you understand how to manage the settings.
Myth #4: Hearing aids aren’t modern technology
Truth: Hearing aids are tiny microcomputers that come from the most up-to-date research and development.
Today’s hearing aids connect to software applications (apps) that connect with a range of smart devices (e.g. Apple or Android phones) wirelessly via Bluetooth and allow you to control hearing aid features such as volume, sound, mask mode and health programs. We can get you set up with the latest in Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to pair your hearing aids to your computer, tablet, TV and smartphone.
Apps make it possible to control your hearing aids in different sound environments such as a busy coffee shop, while listening to music, or at a meeting or lecture. Apps are popular because they allow you to personalize your hearing experience.
These are just some of the features available with apps:
- Adjust volume, treble, base and noise levels
- Stream music, TV and phone calls directly into your hearing aids
- Create hearing programs for the environments you’re in most often
- Check your hearing aid status, including battery charge
- Use the Find My Hearing Aid app to locate a lost hearing aid
Your Audiologist will also guide you through app set-up, including pairing devices and make sure you understand how to manage the settings. Once you’re set up, apps are easy to use and allow you to access features that will soon become favourites.
Myth #5: Hearing aids cost a lot
Truth: Hearing aids are an investment that allow you to enjoy healthy hearing for life.
Hearing enhances life in so many ways, including:
- Your ability to communicate and connect with others.
- Promotion of a healthy brain.
- Invigoration of youthful energy.
- Protection against Alzheimer’s and dementia.
The cost of your hearing aids will vary depending on the sophistication of the technology and the available features.
Your Audiologist will always be direct about the costs, and will help you choose hearing aids that meet your hearing needs and fit your lifestyle.
Plus, once you make your purchase, follow-up care with your Audiologist is included for the lifetime of the hearing aids.
You can find a range of costs for each technology level here.
If it applies to your situation, WCB or Veteran Affairs plans may cover the full or partial cost of your hearing aids.
Now that we’ve addressed the most common myths about hearing aids, our Audiologists are here to speak with you about your hearing. Call us or request an appointment online to schedule an appointment: Broadmead Hearing Clinic: 250-479-2969 or Oak Bay Hearing Clinic: 250-479-2921.