There are large numbers of hearing people who simply won’t get hearing aids. But studies have shown that hearing aids can significantly enhance the hearing loss experience, so why do so many people opt against treatment? Here are some of the most popular reasons people offer not to purchase hearing aids. If you find yourself thinking of similar reasons to justify holding off, it is perhaps time you checked your hearing.
“I’m not old enough for hearing aids.”
A loss of hearing affects people of all ages, including children, adolescents, and young adults. Most Americans believe that hearing loss affects only adults, and fear that wearing hearing aids will make them look old.
No one is too young for hearing aids. Indeed, living with untreated hearing loss can itself make you look old, as you’re forced to ask others to repeat themselves often. A discreet hearing aid will help you remain up to speed no matter how old you are.
“I just don’t want to look old.”
In many respects, the refusal to get hearing aid is linked to the reluctance to appear old in a society that worships youth. A hearing loss indeed tends to be associated with older people, but the symptoms of hearing loss can’t be hidden, and the efforts to do so quickly become futile.
Ironically, those with hearing loss by denying treatment to themselves exacerbate the very problem they’ve tried to avoid.
“If I had hearing loss, my doctor would have told me so.”
Think of the setting you see a doctor in. It’s quiet, you’re sitting in a small room, and you just need to listen and understand one person’s words. In these conditions, a hearing loss is tough to identify. In fact. Only 17 to 30 percent of doctors screen for hearing loss.
“Hearing aids look ugly and conspicuous.”
Lots of us imagine the large devices our grandfather used when picturing hearing aids. But these same people would be shocked to see just how lightweight and unobtrusive modern hearing aids are.
Many hearing aids of today are barely noticeable to people around you when worn. Some hearing aids are even worn within the ear canal, being almost wholly invisible to someone who looks at the ears of a wearer.
“Hearing aids whistle too much.”
With hearing aids, a whistling or squealing sound sometimes occurs from wind noise or feedback. But hearing aid technology has continued to improve each year, and modern hearing aids have reduced this issue tremendously.
The fit of contemporary hearing aids make feedback improbable, and a secure seal will remove unwanted feedback. They are comfortable to wear, and systems to minimize feedback will stop any whistling before it begins.
“Hearing aids didn’t help me.”
It may also take a while to adapt to hearing aids. You may need to wear them regularly for a few months to get the most out of them. But you’ll see subtle improvements right from the start, and you need to be patient to realize the full benefits of hearing aid.
Hearing aids should also be adjusted several times during the trial period. It takes close collaboration between you and your hearing professional to be successful, so make sure you let them know if you have any issues. The benefits of increased independence and confidence are worth the work.
“Hearing aids are too expensive.”
Hearing aids are an investment; there’s no going around it. But they are an investment in your long-term future wellbeing and health.
They keep you active and encourage you to enjoy social events. They’ll also reduce your risk of injury or accident. Investing in hearing aids can help you enhance your work performance, maintain close relationships, and make it easier to spend time with friends.
You are less likely to experience anxiety, depression, and even dementia and enjoy a high quality of life. All of this is to say that hearing aids are definitely worth the investment.
Treating Hearing Loss
If you’ve been struggling with hearing loss, restoring your hearing might help you feel young again. Now is the time to take the first step towards improving your life. It’s easy to set up a hearing test appointment, so don’t hesitate to call us today!