This document exposes and debunks 5 common myths about hearing aids. Myth #1 is that hearing aids are not effective, but a study found they significantly improved speech recognition and reduced communication problems. Myth #2 is that hearing aids are big and bulky, but they now come in various small, nearly invisible sizes. Myth #3 is that hearing aids are too expensive, but like other electronics, prices vary with features and performance. Myth #4 is that hearing aids can be bought online more cheaply, but proper fitting requires professional programming. Myth #5 is that hearing aids are uncomfortable and hard to use, but digital aids are easy to control and automatically adjust sound.

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: 1-800-945-6582
Website: robertshearingclinic.com