When considering hearing loss, the numbers tell an interesting story. As an illustration, globally, 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? Possibly, the most troubling statistic is the fact that only 16% of people who require hearing aids have ever used them.
There are numerous reasons why a person who requires a hearing aid may not use one. They might decide to suffer silently because they are concerned about a potential stigma linked to aging or are too full of pride to wear a hearing aid.
Cost is frequently another concern. Hearing aids can cost thousands for a set, and getting assistance to pay for them can be challenging (though laws are changing).
Hearing aids are, however, the best available choice for the majority of people who have loss of hearing, and for individuals who can’t afford hearing aids, there are other kinds of assistance available.
The Real Cost of Not Using Hearing Aids
Sadly, the impact of not buying a hearing aid when you need one can have a bigger cost than actually buying one. People who have hearing loss often encounter more challenges making a living and deal with more mental health conditions, like depression, solitude, and anxiety. When both the potential future health problems, and the quality of life challenges are added up, the cost of not getting hearing aids is significant. Your healthcare costs can, in fact, increase by as much as 40% by neglecting hearing loss according to research.
What makes that figure even more alarming is that there are numerous ways to make hearing aids affordable.
Getting Affordable Hearing Aids
If you need hearing aids but can’t afford them, there are a number of ways you can still get them. The Starkey Hearing Foundation gives more than 100,000 hearing aids each year to people that have hearing loss who otherwise could not afford treatments. Individuals who have restricted incomes can get financial assistance or refurbished hearing aids from several groups.
Getting Affordable Hearing Aids – The First Move
Obtaining a hearing test to find out what level and kind of hearing loss you have is your first step. Your hearing test results will give you a starting point and you can then look at options. Whether insurance, Veteran’s associations, or other strategies can help is also something we can help with.
Usually, with a little effort, you can find a solution that will fit your budget.
Let us help.