October marks National Audiology Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of hearing health and the role of audiology. Dr. Ann DePaolo Wietsma, owner of The Audiology Offices, is sharing key resources and emphasizing the value an audiologist brings to patient care. Wietsma addressed a couple of myths that audiologists like her encounter on a regular basis: Myth 1: Hearing loss is just a normal part of aging. “In reality,” she said, “age-related hearing loss should not be dismissed as ‘normal’ or ‘minor.’ The sooner a hearing evaluation is conducted, the easier it is to treat and the better the results will be.” Myth 2: Hearing loss is always sudden, so I will know when it happens. “Adult-onset hearing loss usually occurs so gradually that it can be difficult to notice at first, especially in quiet settings,” she said. “Many people do not realize how much better their hearing could be.” Myth 3: A hearing device is all that is needed to solve hearing problems. “Hearing aids are just ...