This document exposes and debunks 5 common myths about hearing aids. It summarizes that while older analog hearing aids had problems, modern digital hearing aids are small, effective, and easy to use. Each myth is addressed in turn, with evidence and studies cited to show that contrary to the myths, hearing aids today are not ineffective, bulky, too expensive, unable to be properly fitted without consultation, or difficult to operate. The document encourages readers not to be deterred by myths from improving their hearing.

1. The Top 5 Hearing Aid
Myths Exposed

2. Hearing Aid Myths
Most hearing aid
myths are based
on the problems
associated with
the older analog
models.
By photo taken by Udo Schröter (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)], via Wikimedia Commons

3. But today’s digital technology
solves those problems
By ReSound (ReSound) [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

4. Myth # 1: Hearing aids are not effective
Myth # 2: Hearing aids are big and bulky
Myth # 3: Hearing aids are too expensive
Myth # 4: You can save time and money buying
hearing aids online
Myth # 5: Hearing aids are uncomfortable and
difficult to operate
The Myths

5. Myth # 1: Hearing aids are
not effective
Reality: A study reported in the Journal of the American Medical
Association comparing the effectiveness of three popular types of
hearing aids concluded that:
“Each [hearing aid] circuit markedly improved speech
recognition, with greater improvement observed for soft and
conversationally loud speech....All 3 circuits significantly reduced the
frequency of problems encountered in verbal
communication....Each circuit provided significant benefit in
quiet and noisy listening situations.”

6. Myth # 2: Hearing aids are
big and bulky
Reality: Hearing aids come in various sizes, with
some models that are nearly invisible when worn.
Micro-behind-the-ear Completely-in-the-
canal
Half Shell

7. Myth # 3: Hearing aids are
too expensive
Reality: As with most consumer electronics, hearing aids range in
price depending on performance and features. While you may not
want—or need—the top of the line hearing aids, you can probably
find a pair that matches your needs, preferences, and budget.
Most patients also feel that the value of better hearing and a better
life is usually well worth the cost.

8. Myth # 4: You can save time
and money buying hearing
aids online
Reality: Would you buy a pair of prescription glasses online
without first consulting your eye doctor, having an eye exam,
and obtaining your prescription?
Probably not, and buying hearing aids is very similar. Hearing
aids need to be professionally programmed by a hearing
specialist according to your unique hearing loss
characteristics. Otherwise, it’s like wearing someone else’s
prescription glasses.

9. Myth # 5: Hearing aids are
uncomfortable and difficult to
operate
Reality: Digital hearing aids dynamically process sound with a small
computer chip so that you don’t have to worry about manual
adjustments; additionally, some digital hearing aids can even be
controlled through your mobile phone. The bottom line: digital
hearing aids are being manufactured with maximum ease-of-use in
mind.

10. Don’t let the
hearing aid
myths stop
you from
enhancing
your life
with better
hearing!
Phone: (480)648-2494
www.southwesthearingcenter.com