With advances in technology, approximately 95% of people with a sensorineural hearing loss can be helped with hearing aids. There are many myths surrounding hearing aids. This section addresses some of the more common ones.
The hearing aid myths
- Hearing loss affects only “old people” and is a sign of ageing.
Did you know that, in fact, 65% of people with hearing loss are younger than 64? It can affect all age groups. - My hearing loss is normal for my age.
Okay. But it happens to be “normal” for overweight people to have high blood pressure. This doesn’t mean they shouldn’t receive treatment for the problem. - If I had a hearing loss, my family doctor would have told me.
Not true! Only 14% of doctors in first-world countries routinely screen for hearing loss. Since most people with hearing impairments hear well in a quiet environment, like a doctor’s office, your doctor may never recognise the extent of your problem. Special training and an understanding of the nature of hearing loss are required to diagnose a hearing problem. - I have one ear that’s ‘down’ a little, but the other one’s okay.
Everything is relative. Nearly all patients who believe that they have one “good” ear actually have two “bad” ears. When one ear is slightly better than the other, we learn to favour that ear for the telephone, group conversations, etc. This can give the illusion that “the better ear” is normal when it isn’t. Most types of hearing loss affect both ears fairly equally and about 90% of patients are actually in need of hearing aids for both ears. - My hearing loss can’t be treated/fixed.
Many people with hearing the loss in one ear, a high-frequency hearing loss or nerve damage have been told they can’t be helped. This may have been true years ago, but with modern technology, 95% of people with a sensorineural hearing loss can be helped.
Selecting hearing aids
Whether it’s just been confirmed that you need a hearing aid or you’ve been wearing hearing aids for many years, our audiologists specialise in helping you to select the most appropriate solution for your needs, in the context of your lifestyle and personal goals.
Tami Mehl Audiology is proudly independent of any hearing aid manufacturer or commercial company. This enables us to choose any brand of hearing aid available in South Africa and to attend regular and diverse training, to stay on top of industry developments.
We strongly advise every patient to ‘test drive’ a selection of appropriate hearing aids and to accept a hearing aid trial period. This is an important part of making an informed choice. In addition, once you buy your hearing aid, its servicing will always be a priority for us.
Technology and styles
Tami Mehl Audiology supplies a vast selection of programmable hearing aids that use digital processing and directional microphones for better hearing. Our spectrum of devices includes both entry-level hearing aids and the latest in blue-tooth and wireless technology, which helps us to find the optimal solution for you as an individual living in the digital era.
There are many styles of hearing the instrument, including completely-in-the-canal, in-the-canal, in-the-ear and behind-the-ear. Most hearing aid technology is available in your choice of these styles and our audiologists will help you to determine which will work best for you.
Feel free to download our helpful PDF on hearing aid technology and price ranges.
Some of the hearing aids that are available to you:
If you’d like more information on hearing aids, please contact us today. We can help.