Chances are, you or someone you know in Houston, Texas is currently suffering from hearing loss. While there are 48 million people in the United States with this condition, nearly 80 percent of them choose not to use their hearing aids.
While we don’t understand why this is the case, since you would never leave your house willingly without your glasses on, we decided to try to figure out why this is happening. We searched the internet and came up with a few misconceptions about hearing aids that have been floating around
Where Do You Buy a Hearing Aid?
Myth: Buying a hearing aid from an audiology office is a waste of money when you can just buy one from a big-box retailer or online.
Fact: While hearing aids are usually less expensive at a big box retailer, there is more than just the price of the hearing aids wrapped in the cost from an audiology office. Your Houston audiologist will perform a series of tests, the results of which are used to determine the best hearing aid for your type and degree of hearing loss.
Once the hearing aid has been selected, your audiologist will use an extremely sensitive computer to program the device to match your specific hearing loss. Follow-up visits will then be scheduled; at these visits your audiologist will reprogram and adjust any of the settings in order to ensure everything is working well.
Big box retailors take a different approach. They take a one-size-fits-all method to selecting the hearing aid for you and use a simpler machine to program the selected device. This means you could be fitted with a device that is not right for your specific type of hearing loss.
Does Device Size Matter?
Myth: The smaller the hearing aid the better.
Fact: Hearing aid technology is rapidly evolving. This means that there are some devices on the market that are smaller than ever before, making them practically invisible. This type of hearing device is typically only appropriate for those with mild hearing loss.
Small devices usually offer shortest battery life and a limited number of additional features. The most common models are behind-the-ear and receiver-in-the-ear. These styles have the largest number of additional features and the longest battery life. Your Houston audiologist will help you confirm the best style for you based on your type and degree of hearing loss.
Can It Damage Your Hearing?
Myth: Hearing aids can damage your hearing.
Fact: This common myth is simply untrue. A properly fitted and well maintained hearing aid will not cause any additional damage to your hearing.
Have you heard any other myths about hearing aids? Now is the time to find out the facts for yourself. Contact your Houston audiologist today. Don’t let these misconceptions get in the way of your hearing health.
