Myths about your hearing: What is that ringing in my ears?

1) Only a few people are truly hearing-impaired and, chances are, neither I nor those close to me are affected.

The odds are that you or someone close to you has some degree of hearing impairment. In fact, an estimated 20 million Americans suffer from some form of hearing impairment.

2) If I had a hearing impairment, I would certainly know about it.

Not necessarily. Often a hearing impairment develops slowly and subtly. Our own built-in defenses may make it difficult for us to determine whether we do or don’t, and we have ways of compensating for a hearing loss without realizing it. A simple hearing test can determine if an impairment exists.

3) Hearing aids can restore my hearing to normal.

Hearing aids are designed to aid a person’s hearing. However, hearing aids cannot restore human hearing, nor can they retard the progression of nerve deafness. They are only part of hearing rehabilitation and may need to be supplemented by auditory training.

4) Hearing aids can filter out distracting background noise.

Understanding, especially in a noisy environment, will vary depending upon each individual’s hearing loss. Overall benefit will depend on proper fit, frequency of use, auditory rehabilitation, the severity of hearing loss, and on the accuracy of the patient evaluation.

5) When someone is hearing impaired, that just means that sounds aren’t loud enough.

That’s just part of it. The person may specifically have trouble hearing children’s or women’s voices, in crowds, or in group conversations. Perhaps he or she hears but doesn’t always understand what’s being said. Words may seem to be mumbled or run together. These are just a few of the symptoms.

6) Hearing aids are large and unsightly. Most people, therefore, don’t want to wear them.

Many people aren’t aware of the latest technological advances that have been made in hearing aids. “Completely-in-the-Canal” (CIC) instruments are available for many hearing losses, and these amazingly small hearing aids are so technologically advanced that they’ve made most old-fashioned hearing aids obsolete.

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

Although hearing impairments are common in older adults, many middle-age and younger people -- including President Bill Clinton -- are affected as well. There are many determining factors beyond just age. Remember, a hearing loss is more noticeable than a hearing aid.

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

In most cases, nerve deafness can be helped through properly fitted amplification. Now, there is hope for those who have been told they couldn’t be helped.

9) It’s too expensive to get a really good hearing aid.

The very best hearing aids available are well within the reach of most people. Any way you look at it, a hearing aid could be the best investment you can make.

10) Hearing tests are expensive and inconvenient.

Not so. Your local dispenser may arrange one for you. Talk to your local Starkey dispenser for details.

Urban Myths brought to you by Starkey Labs.