Hearing health isn't talked about as frequently as other common conditions, and there can be many unknowns associated with it. As a result, many people find themselves avoiding or delaying getting care even when they know they're having issues with their hearing. Below are some of the most common reasons people avoid getting care for hearing loss.
Many individuals don’t want others to know they have a hearing problem. Sometimes they believe hearing aids will make them look old or disabled. Here’s what they may not realize:
Above all, once you experience the life-enhancing benefits of hearing aids in everyday life, the concerns will fade away.
You may recall the stories of a parent or grandparent who owned hearing aids but complained about them or didn’t wear them. Common issues included squealing/whistling, unnatural sound (especially the wearer’s own voice), too much amplification of background noise, and physical discomfort with the devices.
These and other complaints have all but vanished with recent advances in technology and fitting techniques. For example, today’s hearing aids deliver clear, amazingly natural sound, as well as selective amplification and automatic digital noise reduction that minimizes interference from background noise. In addition, the latest fitting techniques help ensure long-lasting comfort with all types of devices, whether worn in the ear canal or behind the ear.
Plus, the latest hearing aids do a lot of things that previously weren’t possible. For example, do you use a smartphone, tablet, or laptop computer? Wireless connectivity could enable you to stream clear audio from your favorite device directly to the hearing aids. Maybe you dislike the idea of changing the batteries in your hearing aids. Now you can choose from numerous rechargeable hearing aids, providing a full day of listening on a single overnight charge. The list of remarkable innovations goes on and on!
Even after accepting their hearing loss, some people may minimize the problem. For example, individuals generally lose their hearing gradually, and they may compensate for the increasing loss by reading lips, filling gaps in sentences, or other tactics. Meanwhile, family, friends, and coworkers may be inconvenienced or annoyed by behaviors related to hearing loss. However, you should also be aware that untreated hearing loss, even if it’s mild, may increase a person’s risk for significant, life-altering health conditions, including depression, dementia and injury-causing falls.
Some individuals don’t believe hearing aids are appropriate for their hearing loss. However, the fact is that hearing aids can help most individual's hearing loss. A hearing evaluation by a licensed professional will determine the type and degree of hearing loss and which kind of hearing aids would be appropriate.
Investing in high-quality hearing aids can strain a person’s budget. Hearing aid prices typically range from under $1,000 to more than $4,000, depending on the level of technology. However, it’s important to understand that the purchase price includes far more than just the devices. For example, if you have an Amplifon benefit, you will also receive follow-up care to ensure a smooth transition to your new hearing aids, a supply of batteries or a charging station to keep the hearing aids powered and a 3-year warranty covering loss, repairs or damage.*
Also, the prices of hearing aids reflect what they truly are: miniaturized marvels of technology! Think of it this way: A pair of hearing aids costs between $1 and $7 per day over the span of three to five years. That’s a lot of bang for the buck when you consider the potential to change a person’s life!
If there are financial concerns, here are some steps to take to stay within a budget.
