When it comes to your hearing, we want you to know the facts.

Understanding the truth about our ears and hearing can help us to make informed decisions about when to seek treatment or advice about our hearing health.

Here are some common misconceptions about hearing and the truths behind them:

Myth 1: Only aging people experience hearing loss.

While it is true that aging can impact hearing loss, it is not the only cause. Hearing loss can be related to genetics, physical problems with the ear, infections, and exposure to loud sounds. None of those factors are directly related to age!

Myth 2: Hearing loss and deafness are the same.

Deafness is an extreme form of hearing loss, but most people who experience hearing difficulties can hear some sounds easily while missing other sounds.

Myth 3: If someone can’t hear you, talk louder.

Volume is not always the issue. Many times the listener can hear the sounds, but can’t distinguish them correctly. Slowing down your speech is often more effective than increasing your volume.

Myth 4: Hearing aids are funny looking.

Today’s hearing aid technologies come in many small and hardly noticeable shapes and sizes! Some are designed to fit inside your ear and others tuck invisibly behind them. They can even be customized to match your skin tone or hair color.

Myth 5: Hearing loss isn’t a “real” medical issue.

Struggling to hear can affect your overall physical, emotional, and social health, and has been linked to cognitive decline. If you suspect you have hearing loss, it shouldn’t be ignored.