Ugly, clunky and a source of ridicule. That is not what hearing aids are like. That is an outdated stereotype of what hearing aids used to be like. Unfortunately, fear over the stigma that comes with wearing hearing aids persists, despite hearing aids having completely transformed in recent years.

If you have hearing loss and are hesitant to get hearing aids, we’re here to let you know that the stigma around hearing aids is over.

 

Why did that stigma go away?

In part the stigma disappeared because people are more aware of hearing loss and discrimination against any kind of disability is far less tolerated in today’s society.

The celebrity effect has come into play too. From Whoopi Goldberg to Bill Clinton, there are a growing number of celebrities with hearing loss who wear their hearing aids without apprehension and no-one bats an eyelid. 

But that’s just half of the story. It’s the hearing aids themselves that have won the battle.

 

Discreet and even designer

Hearing aids used to be so large you’d need a sizable bag to carry them around in. Today they are so small that they can be completely hidden within the ear canal. Even behind the ear hearing aids are sleek in their design.

Hearing aid users can choose from a variety of colors, including custom colors to match their skin tone for added discretion. But some choose to make a statement and go with a bright, bold colour. Why? Because hearing aids today are so technologically advanced that they are verging on fashionable.

ReSound hearing aids, for example, are WiFi enabled so users can stream TV, music and phone calls straight into their hearing aids. They also come with a handy app, allowing users to easily adjust the settings of their hearing aids via their phone. The sight of someone fiddling with their phone is so common these days, no-one will stop and stare.

If you need more convincing, why not come by Physicians Hearing Care and let us show you just how advanced and inconspicuous hearing aids today are? Once you’re convinced we can book you in for a hearing test so you can take the first steps towards healthy hearing.

Do you know somebody that needs to see this? Why not share it?

Sarah Post, Au.D., CCC-A

As a child of deaf adults (CODA) in the Knoxville Deaf Community, she understands the struggles like no other. This sparked her passion for audiology as a career and led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in audiology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. After completing her degree, she continued her education at Auburn University, where she completed her doctorate of audiology (Au.D.) before returning to Knoxville to serve the local community. As a clinical audiologist at Physicians Hearing Care, Sarah provides comprehensive diagnostic services to assess patients’ hearing needs. Often requiring the assistance of amplification devices, Sarah helps patients select and tailor instruments to their specific hearing loss and needs that can improve their quality of life. With each patient, she listens and discusses their needs to develop a plan to improve their communication and quality of life. So far, there have been many life-changing moments during her time at PHC. Most of all, Sarah loves working with people to form a partnership to understand their needs, build trust, and craft customized plans to improve their hearing health.