The two most important senses we possess are the ability to see and hear, i.e. vision and hearing. Unfortunately, it’s common for these senses to slowly diminish as we age and for each individual to react differently if and when they do.
Look around and take notice that most people don’t hesitate in facing, dealing with and treating vision problems. A large majority of people use permanent glasses, contact lenses, or reading glasses (cheaters). Some have even undergone laser eye surgery (Lasik).
However, individuals with hearing loss are much more hesitant and even unwilling to get checked and be treated for their auditory issues. Nearly 1 out of every 4 Canadians have some sort of hearing loss and would be wearing hearing aids if they sought out treatment.
Why are we not treating our hearing loss?
So, why is there such a wide margin between treating vision problems versus treating hearing problems? The immediate effects of each impairment is the main reason. Compromised vision can immediately affect the ability to read, write, work on a computer, watch TV, drive and more! However, at least temporarily, you can cope with and/or manage life’s tasks with hearing issues.
Compromised hearing may seem negligible, but it’s vitally important to remember that the long term impact on quality-of-life is real and potentially severe.
Should we blame our perception of hearing aids?
People’s apprehension to be treated for hearing loss could be blamed, at least partly, on the perception of hearing loss and hearing aids. A few old myths still linger today, unfortunately. With the current advancements in science and technology, many of these old myths are no longer true. To prove it, we’ll debunk the most common myths:
1. Fiction: Hearing loss can’t be treated.
Fact: While hearing loss may be irreversible, it is absolutely treatable to the point of improvement. Hearing aid amplification is the most common and effective treatment for hearing loss. 90-95% of individuals with hearing loss can be treated with hearing aids. Today, new and innovative digital hearing aids can be custom programmed by trained professionals to help even the most severe cases of hearing loss, thus allowing people to recognize sounds and experience inclusion that wouldn’t otherwise be possible.
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2. Fiction: My doctor would tell me if I needed hearing aids.
Fact: In reality, many general practitioners are too busy to test patients for hearing loss. Surveys have revealed that only 23% of adults reported having their hearing tested when undergoing a physical examination. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has previously stressed the concern by reinforcing to physicians the urgency of identifying hearing loss in early stages, pointing out to primary care providers the importance of referring patients to hearing specialists as soon as hearing issues are identified.
3. Fiction: Hearing aids are difficult to use.
Fact: Today’s hearing aids have advanced tremendously from the hearing aids of recent years. New innovations in processing speeds and hearing science enable hearing aids to distinguish noise from speech, identify sound direction, and adapt to environments and particular sounds - all automatically. A hearing professional can fit and program a hearing aid to your unique hearing needs, allowing you to wear the hearing aid all day with minimal adjustments or attention necessary.
4.Fiction: Hearing aids will make me stand out and seem old.
Fact: Numerous facts debunk this perception, so take your pick!
- New and modern hearing aids are significantly smaller and more discreet than hearing aids from recent years. They also have the option to fit deeply into your ear canal, making them "invisible" to others.
- Wearing communication and health-monitoring devices — along with the popularity of headphones — have made body worn accessories very common and even trendy.
- Old is a perception, and adults who hear quickly and engage confidently portray “old” far less than people who ask “huh!” or “what!” all the time, don’t respond when someone is addressing them, or disengage from the conversation.
5. Fiction: Hearing aids are not worth the trouble.
Fact: We can go into great detail explaining how hearing your very best can improve your quality of life. However, we believe it’s much more beneficial for you to hear from people who have treated their hearing loss. Click here to witness what people have shared with us after being treated for hearing loss and wearing hearing aids.
The only way to know for sure is to try hearing aids for yourself. We can help get you in touch with a local hearing professional who will recommend the perfect solution for you. Call 1-855-970-2990 or click here.