Hearing Aid Myths and Facts: Seven Common Beliefs, Checked

Why myths matter

Many people put off dealing with hearing loss because of something they believe about hearing aids: that they do not work, that they are only for the very old, or that they are obvious and awkward. The US National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) says that only about one out of five people who would benefit from a hearing aid actually uses one.

Here are seven common beliefs, checked against NIDCD, the NHS and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Myth 1: "Hearing aids will make my hearing normal again"

Fact: NIDCD says plainly that a hearing aid will not restore your normal hearing. NIDCD explains that a hearing aid has three basic parts, a microphone, an amplifier and a speaker, and that it makes sounds louder so a person with hearing loss can listen, communicate and participate more fully in daily activities.

Realistic expectations matter. Hearing aids are a tool that can help a great deal, especially when they are fitted and adjusted well.

Myth 2: "If they don't work on day one, they never will"

Fact: NIDCD says hearing aids take time and patience to use successfully, and that wearing your aids regularly will help you adjust to them. The NHS says adjusting to hearing aids can be difficult at first and that it may take a few weeks or months to get used to them.

Settings can also be adjusted after the first fitting. See follow-up and adjustments.

Myth 3: "Hearing loss is just part of getting old, so why bother?"

Fact: Hearing loss is common with age, but WHO describes real effects when it is left unaddressed: limitations in communication and speech, social isolation, loneliness and stigma. WHO advises that once hearing loss is identified, it is essential that it is addressed as early as possible.

NIDCD reports that about one in three people in the U.S. between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing. Being common does not mean it should be ignored.

Myth 4: "Hearing aids are big and obvious"

Fact: NIDCD explains that there are three basic styles of hearing aids, which differ in size, in where they are placed on or in the ear, and in how much they amplify sound. Some sit behind the ear, and some sit in the ear or in the ear canal. Which style suits you depends on your hearing, your ears and your daily life. See hearing aid types explained.

Myth 5: "Hearing aids can't work with my phone"

Fact: Many modern hearing aids connect wirelessly to phones. Philips, for example, says its most recent hearing aids can make and receive calls directly when paired with an iPhone or iPad. Oticon says its newest hearing aids can receive calls directly from select Android phones and tablets. Compatibility depends on the exact hearing aids and phone; see Bluetooth hearing aids and phone compatibility.

Myth 6: "Hearing loss from noise can't be prevented"

Fact: NIDCD says noise-induced hearing loss is the only type of hearing loss that is completely preventable. WHO notes that exposure to loud sounds is among the most common preventable causes of hearing loss in adults. Protecting your ears from loud noise matters whether or not you already wear hearing aids.

Myth 7: "I'll wait until it gets really bad"

Fact: WHO advises addressing hearing loss as early as possible once it is identified. Waiting also means years of missed conversations. If you or a family member notice changes, a hearing check is a sensible first step.

Talk it through in English

If you have questions about hearing aids, or about a parent's hearing, you can call G-Sound in English. G-Sound offers Philips and Oticon hearing aids.