Is it worth getting hearing aids?
Top myths of hearing aids
Hearing aids improve hearing – but are they worth it?
That’s one of the most common questions we hear at Hearing Care Clinic. For people of all ages and types of hearing difficulties, they are considering whether the benefits are worth the trouble.
Of course, we are convinced that hearing aids are worth it: we get to see just how much a pair of hearing aids can benefit individuals and their families. In making that decision, however, it is good to understand the opportunities as well as the challenges that hearing aids can bring.
Fortunately, most of the challenges that new hearing aid wearers expect are myths. Many of the complaints we used to hear no longer apply because technology has changed over the past few decades.
If you’re already questioning whether hearing aids are worth it, then that’s a big sign that they probably are.
Here are the top myths about hearing aids, plus their incredible benefits and some tips that can help you decide whether they’ll be worth it for you.
Top hearing aid myths
Hearing aids are among the most misunderstand technologies. They have evolved over the past few decades to become incredibly sophisticated and capable of automatically analyzing the surroundings to provide sound that is balanced and natural – all this in a tiny size that is still easy to use but barely noticeable to onlookers.
Just consider how cell phones have evolved in the past few decades. Hearing aids have undergone the same incredible pace of innovation and advancement. But these miracles of technology still face many myths.
These are the top hearing aid myths that we often hear.
Hearing aids are bulky and noticeable
This is true for older styles of hearing aids, when they relied on analog equipment or before digital technology was as tiny as it is today. There are now hearing aid styles that are hidden from onlookers and barely noticeable – if at all.
As exciting as these devices are, some people find them not ideal because they can be easier to misplace. That’s why we carry a range of hearing aids in a mix of styles and sizes.
They are for people with extreme hearing loss
Hearing aids offer remarkable opportunities for individuals with extreme hearing loss, and these opportunities are also available for people with less severe hearing challenges. For some, hearing aids offer clarity in noisier environments like restaurants. For others, hearing aids make it easier to have conversations with family and friends.
Everyone is different – and their hearing is no exception. We assess your hearing when you visit Hearing Care Clinic and then let you know how hearing aids might improve your hearing.
Hearing aids will make me look old
Hearing challenges impact people of all ages, so this myth has had negative consequences on younger individuals who require assistive devices.
Modern hearing aids are available in styles that fit behind the ear or even in the ear canal, so you can find a discrete pair that few will even notice.
Hearing aid technology is expensive
Like all technology, hearing aids are available in a selection of functions and styles. Consider the televisions available at your local electronics store: they come in all sizes with different technologies and features.
Some people value large, high definition televisions, while others only have the space to fit a tiny device in their home. It is up to the individual to decide which device will work best for their viewing needs, home and budget.
It’s the same for hearing aids. We carry models with a variety of functions and styles, and we will help you decide which device will match your hearing difficulties, budget and preferences.
They are not covered by benefits, insurance or financial support
Hearing aids are often not a discretionary device. They are necessary for health and well-being, so there are a number of options available to help fund hearing aids. You can see a few of the hearing aid funding options available in British Columbia, or you can visit our clinics to discuss the personalized options that can help cover the costs.
All hearing aids are the same
We are always excited to talk about the latest in hearing aid technology because the features available range from seamless integration with other devices to apps on your smartphone. Hearing aids are among the most advanced technology.
For you, this means that there are hearing aids that will succeed in improving your hearing while fitting into your work and lifestyle. It’s our job to recommend the options that are the best fit.
Hearing aids sound unnatural
Hearing aids are incredibly tiny computers that process noise and output sound that is attuned to your ears. This means that sounds aren’t just amplified, they are automatically adjusted so the balance is natural.
They’re annoying to use
For such small packages, hearing aids are intuitive and simple to operate. As the electronics and digital technologies have improved, so have the interfaces to operate them. Many hearing aids automatically adjust to your surroundings, so you will always hear the sounds you want without having to toggle any switches or adjust any levels. You’ll forget you are even wearing hearing aids. And many hearing aids have internal batteries that can be recharged while you sleep, so you don’t have to fiddle with tiny batteries.
Hearing aid wearers always complain about their hearing aids
When hearing aids don’t fit or function properly, they can be annoying to use. Fortunately, there’s an easy solution: we’ll make sure your hearing aids fit and function through regular fittings and follow-up appointments. We want your hearing aids to never be annoying or uncomfortable.
How to know whether hearing aids will help
The value of hearing aids does depend on how useful they will be for you. We have helped many individuals with all types and severity of hearing loss to use hearing aids, and the benefits to their daily lives at home and work are often priceless.
If hearing aids will help you, they are indeed worth it.
Get a free hearing test
The results from a hearing assessment will help you understand the state of your hearing and how hearing aids might help. Everyone is different, so our hearing specialists will take the time to understand any hearing challenges you may have as they complete a comprehensive assessment.
Start with a free hearing test – then you’ll know whether hearing aids are a good option for you.
The benefits beyond sound
At the core, a hearing aid has a microphone, sound processor and speaker. Hearing aids assess the environment you’re in and process the sounds based on what you can hear well and what you have trouble hearing. The output is a balanced sound that helps you understand speech and manage noise.
While hearing aids will improve the sounds you’ll hear, they also have other benefits that are sometimes overlooked. Hearing aids can be incredibly helpful for your daily life – at home, at work or wherever you may be.
- Improve your memory: When you have to think about what was said, you don’t have the same opportunity to commit what you hear to memory.
- Reduce accidents and falls: Hearing is essential for understanding your surroundings. Individuals with hearing loss tend to be at a higher risk of falls and accidents. In fact, hearing aids can contribute to better balance.
- Relieve stress: It’s challenging to always be focused on every word, hoping you properly understood what was just said. Stress is reduced when you’re able to listen and participate in conversations – in person and on the phone.
- Increase happiness: It is a joy to be able to chat with friends and family. Watching television or attending concerts is more enjoyable when you can hear every detail. Life is more fulfilling when everything sounds the way you expect.
Everyone experiences sound differently and has unique challenges. The benefits you’ll experience will be exclusive to you. When you visit us for an assessment, we’ll be able to outline what improvements you’ll notice when you wear hearing aids. This is an exciting conversation because we get to share the many opportunities of better hearing.
How much do hearing aids cost?
The short answer is that cost varies. The range of styles, features and types of devices is nothing short of amazing – but it means you have many options to choose from.
When we recommend a hearing aid, we take into account your daily lifestyle, hearing needs and budget. With all these factors in mind, we’ll recommend the hearing aids that will make the biggest difference but offer the mix of features that you will actually use. This customized approach doesn’t start with the hearing aids: it starts with you.
Budget is an important factor for many people who visit Hearing Care Clinic, so we’ll take extra time to completely understand what works for you. We will also help you find funding for your hearing aids, if you’re eligible. Here are some of the common funding opportunities that are available.
Are hearing aids cheaper somewhere else?
We take pride in the extensive range of hearing aids we offer at Hearing Care Clinic. This means that we have the options that are best suited for you.
For some people, their main concern is their wallet. We can help them find a pair of hearing aids that fit their budget. In fact, our Gift of Hearing program provides new and used hearing aids to individuals who cannot afford the devices.
For other people, their main concern is finding a hearing aid that isn’t noticeable. We’ll help them select a device that is discreet.
And for others, they want to hear better on phone calls, so we’ll select hearing aids that automatically connect via Bluetooth.
When you visit Hearing Care Clinic, we’ll discuss what is most important to you during our assessment, and we’ll recommend the devices that are the best match. You’re not going to find a cheaper hearing aid somewhere else, and you’ll know that the device you select is the best match for you.
Are hearing aids worth it for me?
If you are considering hearing aids, then that means you are looking for a solution to hearing challenges. In many scenarios, hearing aids can provide hearing support and make it easier to live without worrying about your hearing.
In many cases, hearing aids are worth it.
For you, they will let you participate in conversations no matter where you are. They will let you make calls, watch television and hear all the sounds of daily life.
For your family, they will give them the comfort of knowing you can hear every word. You can enjoy your time with the special people in your life.
The question we hear all the time is whether hearing aids are worth it. We can outline the specific opportunities for your life and also the costs and challenges that may arise. We’ll make sure there are no surprises if you do choose to get a pair of hearing aids.
Before you make your decision, you’ll know whether hearing aids are worth it for you.
Schedule a complimentary hearing test to discuss whether hearing aids are worth it for you.