What are the myths associated with hearing loss?

Jan 23, 2013 in Hearing Protection

What are the myths associated with hearing loss?

As is the case with any condition, the road to recovery is made a much easier one to travel if you have all the facts to hand as well as the knowledge to work past the problems.

There are a number of myths surrounding the issue of deafness and digital hearing aids that our patients often come to tests believing as fact, but this can not only slow down recovery progress but be damaging too.

Myths can snowball to the point where they are widely accepted as truth but below are a few examples of what many people actually have come to regard as truth in this area.

Digital hearing aids can restore all hearing

First of all, there is the common misconception that being fitted with a hearing aid will restore all of your hearing to 100 per cent, but this sadly isn't the case.

Of course, these devices will help but the extent to which they do so will depend on personal circumstances and the severity of your condition.

Aids provide a vital lifeline for many of the people we see in free hearing tests but it's important to bear in mind that they won't work miracles.

All deaf people are able to lipread

This relates to those who have friends or families suffering with hearing loss.

It's not realistic to expect all those who have to cope with deafness to be able to lipread, at least not straight away.

For those who do manage to perfect the skill, it can take months, while many are never able to.

Shouting makes it easier for deaf people to hear

Again, thinking that shouting instructions at people with hearing loss will allow them to understand you isn't the case.

It's far more important to speak slowly and clearly if you want to give people the best chance of communicating well.

Having the right information on these sorts of issues can make recovery from hearing loss a great deal easier.