Mad Myth Monday – Having hearing loss means that you can’t hear sound loud enough.

Myth: Having hearing loss means that you can’t hear sound loud enough.

Fact: Not necessarily. Most of the time, those suffering hearing loss just can’t hear certain frequencies loud enough.

When hearing is damaged, the quality of the sound heard is changed, not just the volume. Typically, hearing loss has more to do with the frequency of the sound and how easily certain frequency can be heard comfortably.

Most people suffering hearing loss are having difficulty hearing the higher frequency, like jingling of keys, ring tones of phones, words with ‘s’, ‘f’, ‘th’ sounds. In other words, having hearing loss means that you lose clarity in the sound you hear, not loudness.

It is easy for people around you to speak louder, but it is difficult for them to speak clearer because they can’t change the way a word sounds. Conversation is made up of words with different frequencies. Regardless if you are having the common high-frequency hearing loss and low frequency hearing loss, if your hearing loss is untreated, all the words heard would be distorted and it makes understanding conversation and communication with others very difficult. When your hearing loss is causing communication issues with your loved ones, it is time to do something about it.

Fortunately, the type of hearing loss and the amount of sound distortion can be measured by an audiologist using various audiometric tests. With a proper hearing test result, the audiologist can identify the type of hearing loss and its appropriate treatment. If hearing aids are recommended, the audiologist would then program the hearing aids based on your audiogram, the extent of your hearing loss, and your other lifestyle needs, so that you can hear as clear as possible and reconnect with your world.

For a better hearing care, contact us or call us on 03 9844 5863 to speak to our caring & professional audiologist.