Myth number one
That you will definitely know you have a hearing loss
This is often not the case, most hearing losses develop gradually over time, individuals with a hearing loss might notice some difficulties when communicating in certain, more challenging listening environments or when family members and friends point out that they have noticed something might be wrong.
Myth number two
That you can manage with your hearing loss without intervention
Unfortunately it is not possible to fight hearing loss without treatment. Untreated hearing loss will most likely results in social isolation, frustration and possible depression. The sooner a hearing loss is treated, the better the outcome.
Myth number three
Surgery can cure my hearing loss
Although surgery can be successful in treating some conductive hearing losses (a problem in the outer or middle ear) , sensorineural hearing loss (inner ear damage) can NOT be treated with surgery. Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss in the adult population and can be treated with hearing aids or cochlear implants.
Myth number four
Hearing loss only occurs in the older population
Hearing loss occurs in all age groups. Factors such as noise exposure, genetics, certain ototoxic medication etc. can cause hearing loss in all age groups.
Myth number five
I should only get a hearing aid when my hearing loss is serious enough
This could not be further from the truth. The sooner a hearing loss is treated, the better the outcome. When a hearing loss is present the brain does not recognize sounds as it should, this could lead to auditory deprivation and the longer this is left, the worse the outcome.
