If you or a loved one has hearing loss but never looked into a hearing aid as a solution, you are not alone. It is estimated that 22 million people with hearing loss have delayed seeking a remedy to their hearing problem. In one study, nearly 3,000 individuals with self-reported hearing loss were asked about their reluctance to try hearing aids. Here are some of the reasons why they declined to pursue them.
By Cheryl Tanita, Au.D., CCC-A Chief of Audiology Division
If
you or a loved one has hearing loss but never looked into a hearing aid as a
solution, you are not alone. It is estimated that 22 million people with
hearing loss have delayed seeking a remedy to their hearing problem. In one
study, nearly 3,000 individuals with self-reported hearing loss were asked
about their reluctance to try hearing aids. Here are some of the reasons why
they declined to pursue them.
Inadequate information
Because
people lose their hearing gradually, many are not aware they have a significant
hearing loss. In most cases, the person with hearing loss and family members
learn to adapt to it, often not even realizing that they are doing this. The
number one reason why people buy their very first hearing aid is the
"recognition that their hearing got worse." Usually this means they
made embarrassing miscues in social interactions due to their untreated hearing
loss.
Stigma and Appearance
Some
people avoid hearing aids because they don’t want others to know about their
hearing loss. They believe others will think it means they are getting older,
less competent, or less attractive. The good news is that many hearing device
are so small, they are nearly invisible. Newer models even sit directly in the
ear canal and are completely undetectable.
Not Realizing the Importance of Hearing
Because
some people have adjusted to their hearing loss, they have forgotten how
important hearing is to their quality of life. But people who cannot hear well
often experience anxiety, insecurity, isolation and depression. People
gradually withdraw from family and friends because without auditory contact, they
lose the feeling of being connected. In life, communication is critical.
Misbelief that Hearing Aids Don't Work
A
significant number of people with hearing loss mistakenly believe that hearing
aids are not effective for what they are designed to do. Recent research,
however, indicates that 76% of hearing aid users report satisfaction (defined
as satisfied or very satisfied) with the ability of modern hearing aid to
improve their hearing, while 66% report that hearing aids have significantly
improved the quality of their life.
Failure to Trust in a Hearing aid Dispensing Professional
Another
key reason some people cited for avoiding the purchase of a hearing aid is a
lack of trust in hearing healthcare providers who fit hearing aids. Yet nearly
90% of consumers are satisfied with their hearing aid dispensing professional.
Audiologists receive years of education and training and are experts at
dispensing hearing aids, along with conducting tests for hearing loss and
balance disorders.
Feeling Priced Out of the Market
Some
people with hearing loss simply do not have the disposable income to buy
hearing aids. But hearing aid manufacturers have made an effort to offer
hearing devices at all price points. You can also check to see if you qualify
for free or discounted hearing aids through your union, employer, the Veterans
Administration, insurance provider, local HMO or local charity (i.e. Lions
Club). The Better Hearing Institute website has a comprehensive list of possible resources for financial assistance.
Don’t
let a hearing loss impact your quality of life. There are so many new devices
designed to fit every budget and lifestyle, the time has never been better to
restore your hearing and help you tune in to the sounds of life once again.