…don’t believe everything you hear!

The effect of a hearing impairment is subtle, yet can be debilitating.

Here in the UK today, over 11 million people suffer from a hearing impairment. Unfortunately, only a fraction of those do something about it.

Normal sound perception is a vitally important factor in our lives. Yet, all too often it’s taken for granted. Our listening environment is shaped by sound in a complex ever-present background, much of which is beneath our awareness.

Myths are passed around and prevent people from getting to the facts.

On a subconscious level, these sounds provide us with a real sense of participation and security in the world. Overtly, there are signals of danger and those that help us to communicate.

Most people are burdened with misconceptions about their hearing and about what hearing aids can do to help.

That’s why this simple guide will help you to separate the myths from the facts.

MYTH Only a few people are genuinely hearing impaired, and chances are, neither I nor those close to me are affected.

FACT The odds are that you or someone close to you has some degree of hearing impairment. In fact, some 11 million people in the UK are estimated to suffer from some form of hearing impairment.

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

FACT Not necessarily. Often an impairment develops slowly and subtly. Our own built-in defences may make it difficult for us to determine whether we do or don’t. A simple hearing test would determine if an impairment exists.

MYTH Hearing aids will restore my hearing to normal.

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

MYTH I can hear ok; it’s other people that mumble.

FACT Often, it’s the start and the end of the words that you miss with a mild hearing impairment. This leads to a lack of clarity in speech.

MYTH Hearing aids amplify all sounds, including background noise.

FACT With the advent of digital technology, hearing aids can narrow the sound reception area, reducing interfering background noise and conversations from the sides and rear.

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

FACT That’s just part of it. Perhaps the person may have trouble hearing in crowds or group conversations. Maybe they hear but don’t always understand what’s being said. Words may seem to be mumbled, or words just run together. These are but a few symptoms.

MYTH Hearing aids are large and unsightly.

FACT Most people aren’t aware of the latest technological advances that have been made to hearing aids. Many hearing aids are amazingly tiny and discreet. They’re so technologically advanced that they’ve made most old-fashioned hearing aids obsolete.

MYTH Wearing a hearing aid is a sign of getting old.

FACT Although hearing impairment is common in older adults, many middle-aged and younger people are affected too. A hearing loss is more noticeable than a hearing aid.

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

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

MYTH A really good hearing aid is too expensive.

FACT Here at Blackdown Hearing, we offer the very best in hearing aid technology at prices well within reach of most people. Whichever way you look at it, a hearing aid could be the best investment you ever make.

Need further help?

If you have any further questions or need additional information concerning hearing loss or hearing aids, please don’t hesitate to contact us.