Debunking Common Myths About Modern Hearing Aids
Modern Hearing Aids vs Old Ones
Hearing Aids Have Come A Long Way
Many myths about hearing aids are stuck in the past. Today’s devices break free from outdated perceptions, showing just how advanced – and empowering – modern hearing technology can be.
Questions like “Do hearing aids just make everything louder?” or “Won’t they make me look old?” are as outdated as wondering what Elvis is up to now.
Thanks to major advances in audiology and technology, today’s hearing aids are sleek, smart, and designed to fit effortlessly into your lifestyle. In fact, they are far more advanced than you may imagine!
Let’s explore some of the most popular types – and lay a few outdated myths to rest along the way.
Modern Hearing Aid Styles and Discreet Design Options
Myth 1: Hearing Aids Are Bulky and Obvious
It’s easy to imagine a hearing aid as a huge beige contraption from the past, but the reality of today’s hearing aids is completely different.
A. Moerman, a hearing care professional, shares this advice for first-time users concerned about how hearing aids look: “The image associated with the large, conspicuous devices that would squeal excessively is a matter of the past. Current hearing aids have evolved alongside cutting-edge technology, transforming into sleek, discreet lifestyle devices.”
The Truth
Modern models incorporate machine learning, offering advanced sound processing that reflects today’s lifestyle rather than outdated stereotypes.
Options like completely-in-canal (CIC) or invisible-in-canal (IIC) are almost completely invisible to others.
Even behind-the-ear (BTE) models are now more compact, more elegant and available with colours that match your skin tone or hair.
Ear devices are now seen as stylish accessories – sleek, subtle, and sometimes mistaken for wireless earbuds.
Ask 10 people in your circle; I think you will find that most of them simply wouldn’t even notice you are wearing hearing aids.
How Hearing Aids Process and Personalize Sound
Myth 2: Hearing Aids Just Make Everything Louder
The answer to the question ‘Do hearing aids make sounds louder?’ is yes, but also that they do so much more, according to Moerman.
“Hearing aids do make sound louder, but not just louder. If you turn the volume up five to six steps on a TV, the sound will be distorted. That’s because all the audible frequencies will be made louder. Instead, they use advanced algorithms to process the difference between the desired sound and unwanted background noise,” says Moerman.
Hearing aids work by taking your specific level of hearing loss into account. Imagine you have difficulty with high-pitched sounds, like birdsong or children’s voices; your hearing aids will specifically enhance those higher frequencies, while leaving other sounds untouched.
By enhancing where you need it, but not where you don’t, hearing aids create a more natural, balanced listening experience.
The Truth
Modern hearing aids automatically adapt to their environment and are exceptional at reducing background noise.
Directional microphones enhance speech clarity by focusing on sounds from in front of the listener – typically conversation – while reducing distracting background noise.
Custom programming and personalization mean there is no “one size fits all”, and your hearing aid can be tailored to your specific needs.
Why Hearing Loss Isn’t Just a Problem for Older Adults
Myth 3: Hearing Aids Make You Look Old
Hearing loss isn’t just for older adults, and neither are hearing aids. Many younger people are now choosing hearing aids to stay connected, sharing the positive impact hearing aids have had on their lives.
Celebrities like Millie Bobby Brown and Jodie Foster have openly discussed their hearing loss, helping to challenge the stigma, showing that using hearing aids is a proactive, empowering step toward better hearing and quality of life.
“Hearing loss often happens gradually, so many people simply don’t notice it. You might just think young people don’t articulate well, or think nothing of turning up the TV one step now and then,” says Moerman.
The reality? People of all ages are starting to experience hearing loss for varied reasons. If you're one of them, you’re certainly not alone.
The Truth
Over 1 billion young people globally are at risk of permanent hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices, such as exposure to loud music through personal devices and at entertainment venues2.
Age is just one of many factors that can cause hearing loss3.
What Hearing Aids Can – And Can’t – Do for Hearing Loss
Myth 4: Hearing Aids Restore Hearing
The Truth
- Using hearing aids may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline by keeping your brain actively engaged in listening and communication2.
Addressing hearing loss early is associated with a lower risk of developing dementia, according to evidence highlighted by the World Health Organization2.
Hearing aids can improve quality of life and support greater independence by helping users stay confident, socially connected and active2.
Affordable Hearing Aids Do Exist
Myth 5: Hearing Aids Are Too Expensive
The Truth
The technology of hearing aids has improved drastically in the last decade. Ongoing research and development means advanced technology is now available at many price points.
Today, hearing aids are available at several price points ranging from budget-friendly to mid-range and premium hearing aids.
Some private health insurers and government programs offer partial or full reimbursement for hearing aids4, depending on eligibility and location.
Hearing Aid Myths vs Facts
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1 Audiology Associates of Southern Oregon: Seven Famous Women with Hearing Loss: https://www.audiology-associates.com/blog/famous-women-with-hearing-loss/
2 World Health Organisation: World report on hearing (3 March 2021): https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240020481
3 Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology: The Prevalence and Related Factors of Hearing Loss Among Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (2024): https://www.x-mol.net/paper/article/1849160281785966592
4 NDIS: Hearing supports: https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/ndis-and-other-government-services/hearing-supports
