Dr. Egan addresses some of the most common misconceptions, starting with the idea that hearing aids make everything too loud.
1. “Hearing Aids Make Everything Too Loud”
This is a common concern from patients who have spoken with friends or family about their hearing aid experiences. When someone undergoes a hearing test, the results indicate exactly which pitches they have hearing deficits in and how much of a deficit exists.
This hearing test result, known as an audiogram, serves as a prescription. It is then fed into a Real Ear Measurement System, which provides prescriptive targets for the audiologist to program the hearing aids to. This allows for a very precise, pitch-specific adjustment, making only the sounds you are missing louder.
Unfortunately, this misconception exists due to a lack of proper programming in the hearing aid industry. Real Ear Measurement—which ensures accurate programming—is only used by about 20% of audiologists, despite being available for over 20 years.
2. “People Will Notice My Hearing Aids”
Many people worry that hearing aids will be too visible, but in reality, the effects of hearing loss are often more noticeable than the devices themselves.
Hearing aids come in various shapes and sizes, and there are discreet options for every individual. More importantly, being able to hear conversations clearly—without frequently asking others to repeat themselves, relying on lip-reading, or turning your head—actually makes hearing loss less noticeable than wearing hearing aids.
3. “I Need to Do My Own Research to Find the ‘Perfect’ Hearing Aid”
With seven major hearing aid manufacturers, each offering different styles, levels, and models, trying to research every option can feel overwhelming.
However, that’s what an audiologist is for! An audiologist stays up to date on all the latest technology, features, and product updates, ensuring that you receive the best hearing aid based on your specific listening and lifestyle needs. You don’t have to figure it out alone—that’s our job!
4. “Hearing Aids End Up in a Drawer”
Not at Now Hear This®! Many people have heard stories of hearing aids going unused, but this usually happens due to poor programming or lack of motivation—neither of which is an issue in our practice.
We pride ourselves on providing advanced hearing aid programming and detailed patient counseling so that every individual can fully adapt to their new hearing aids. Our goal is to make sure your hearing aids are benefiting you every single day, not collecting dust in a drawer.
By addressing these common myths, we hope to help more people feel comfortable seeking better hearing solutions. Stay tuned for more myth-busting in the next part of this series! 👂✨
