Knowledge about hearing loss has come a long way in the past ten years. Still, there’s a lot of confusion surrounding the subject.

Hearing loss can occur for a number of reasons. Ototoxic medication, noisy work or hobbies, disease or genetics are all possible causes. But in some cases, the cause is simply unknown. Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common reasons though. To protect your hears, it’s important to be informed. That’s why we share some of the most persistent myths about hearing loss.

Top 5 myths

1. It’s okay, my hearing is only bad in one ear

It’s great you’re so optimistic, but in this case, your positivity isn’t entirely legitimate. Your brain relies on both your ears to interpret the sounds you hear. Hearing loss in one ear can affect your ability to determine where sounds are coming from (sound localization) and make it harder to understand speech in noise. It can even make it harder to do other things while you are listening to someone because unilateral hearing loss or single-sided deafness increases your overall cognitive load.

If you notice single-sided deafness, it’s important to seek advice from a hearing care professional.

2. Hearing loss cannot be helped

Though hearing loss is irreversible, don’t jump to conclusions too soon. Many forms can be improved. Whether that is through hearing aids, surgery, medication or even a simple earwax removal procedure. The good news is that the field of hearing health is rapidly changing and that issues that were difficult to address years may be treatable now.

3. Hearing aids will restore your hearing back to normal

Today’s hearing aids are top notch. They have sensitive microphones which can tune out background noise to focus on speech. They can be programmed with your smartphone and work together with other personal devices in your life. But what hearings aids can’t do (yet), is restoring your hearing completely. There’s no device that can replicate human hearing.

It can significantly improve your hearing in a way that you can communicate in a better way with your friends, family, and co-workers.

Not only your problem

4. My doctor will tell me if my hearing is failing

A hearing test isn’t a normal routine when you go to the GP for a check-up. The GP doesn’t check your teeth to detect cavities either. It’s up to you to go for a hearing test when you suspect your hearing might be failing. To go for a hearing test is also a good way to establish a baseline of how well you hear. That way it’s a lot easier to recognize hearing loss when it occurs.

5. My hearing loss is only my problem

Your family, friends, and co-workers will notice if your hearing fails. Your loved ones need to communicate with you. Can you imagine how frustrating it is when they can’t reach you? Hearing loss can really put a strain on your relationships. So if you don’t do reach out for help for yourself, do it for your loved ones.