Regarding hearing loss, the numbers tell an interesting story. As an illustration, around the world, over 466 million people experience some type of hearing problem. Or that about 10% of the population struggles with tinnitus, a chronic ringing in the ears? Perhaps the most disturbing statistic is the fact that only 16% of people who need hearing aids have ever used them.
Individuals who need hearing aids may decide not to use them for numerous reasons. They may choose to suffer in silence because they are anxious about a possible stigma linked to aging or are too prideful to use a hearing aid.
Another worry is the price. It can be fairly challenging to get help paying for hearing aids and they can be pretty expensive.
The fact remains, however, that hearing aids are the best choice available to most individuals who have hearing loss, and there are other services and assistance available to people who could not normally afford hearing aids.
The True Cost of Not Wearing Hearing Aids
Sadly, the impact of not buying a hearing aid when you need one can be even more costly than actually buying one. Isolation, anxiety, and depression are more prevalent in people with hearing loss and they also have a higher instance of mental health conditions. When these problems are added up, the true cost of not getting hearing aids is significant, both in the quality of life and in health concerns that appear later. In fact, studies have shown that neglecting hearing loss can increase your healthcare costs by as much as 40%.
What makes that figure even more surprising is that there are lots of ways to make hearing aids affordable.
Getting Affordable Hearing Aids
There are several solutions available for people who need hearing aids but can’t afford them. People that have hearing loss, who can’t afford hearing aids, might be able to get a pair from the Starkey Hearing Aid Foundation, which donates over 100,000 every year. Other groups and organizations provide financial assistance and refurbished hearing aids at a discounted price to individuals with limited incomes.
Finding Affordable Hearing Aids – The First Step
Getting a hearing test to find out what level and type of hearing loss you have is your first step. Once you obtain your results, you’ll be able to explore options for how you will start hearing better again. We can also help you figure out whether insurance, Veteran’s associations, or other organizations will help with the costs.
In most cases, with a little effort, you can find an option that will fit your budget.
Just ask us.