Hearing Aids have come a long way since the first one was created in the 17th century. Even with big advancements in technology there are still a lot of misconceptions out there about Hearing Aids. We asked Lakeside Hearing Audiologist, Claire Beldi what her top misconceptions she hears from patients:

1. Size! Hearing aids are not as big and bulky as you remember them. Majority of hearing aid users can comfortably wear a MiniRITE which discreetly sits behind the ear with only a thin wire running into the ear.
2. Whistling – I think it is common to think of our family’s hearing aids that would constantly whistle. Hearing aid research has made leaps and bounds in the last decade. That whistling sound (aka feedback) is rarely a problem with today’s technology.
3. My Doctor would have told me if I needed hearing aids. Your doctor has a very big job of managing your overall health. However, it is up to your Audiologist to diagnose hearing loss and manage the hearing loss with hearing aids if warranted.
4. Can’t I just turn up my TV? Hearing aids do not work as a TV remote (i.e., they do not simply turn everything up).  Following a diagnostic hearing evaluation, a prescription is generated. The degree of hearing loss typically varies significantly across frequencies. Hearing aids provide varying amounts of amplification in the respective frequency bands as needed. Additionally, hearing aids are developed using wide dynamic range compression – soft sounds get more amplification and loud sounds get less amplification, to keep listening comfortable!
5.  I already wear glasses – hearing aids won’t fit behind my ears. Keep in mind, many hearing aid users (if not most) wear glasses. Glasses will sit nearer to the head and hearing aids on the outside. For most people, fitting both glasses and HAs behind the ears is no problem. And if your ears are extra tiny, we can provide in the ear style hearing aids to eliminate any extra bulk behind the ears.
6. I don’t want to change batteries every few days! – Batteries are becoming a thing of the past. Majority of hearing aid manufacturers are now making a rechargeable option with lithium-ion batteries.

Do you suffer from Hearing Loss? Why have you not decided to explore hearing aids?

The Team at Lakeside Hearing would love to know!