Hearing Aid Myths

Whistling

Old-fashioned hearing aids had a tendency to generate a high-pitched whistle (also known as feedback) if the instrument became a bit loose in the ear. Everyone could hear the whistle except, of course, the person wearing the hearing aid. You’ve probably experienced feedback when someone holding a microphone walks too close to the amplifier, producing a loud squeal.

Well, current technology makes whistling virtually non-existent! No more embarrassing situations where hearing aids whistle and neighborhood dogs show up.

Not working well enough

Yesterday’s hearing aids had nowhere near the sound quality and features of today’s technology. Modern hearing aids are extremely effective. They’re comfortable to wear, both physically and sound-wise. Soft sounds, such as children’s voices, are automatically amplified, while loud sounds are kept within a comfortable range of hearing.

Noise reduction features help keep sound levels comfortable when the volume of surrounding sound increases. Further, advanced digital circuitry and directional microphone technology work in conjunction to help you more easily hear speech in noisy situations, such as restaurants, crowds or airports. And, special circuitry works to reduce wind noise when hearing aids are worn outside.

They make me look “old”

Many people think “old age” when they think of hearing aids. To me, this is faulty logic.  Which is worse?  Wearing a hearing instrument (that’s unnoticeable) and understanding what’s being said? Or, not wearing hearing aids and constantly saying “huh?” Or, even worse, misunderstanding and responding inappropriately?

If “looks” are stopping you from investigating hearing aids, you have nothing to worry about. You’d be surprised how many people you encounter these days are actually wearing hearing instruments. They’re designed to be virtually invisible. They’re lightweight, comfortable to wear, and don’t make you feel “stuffed up.”