One in eight people in the United States (13 percent, or 30 million) aged 12 years or older live with hearing loss in both ears while roughly 10 percent of the U.S. adult population, or about 25 million Americans, has experienced tinnitus lasting at least five minutes in the past year. Statistics show that about 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from using hearing aids but sadly people often wait 10 years on average before seeking help for their hearing. By that time often an individual’s hearing will have decayed to the point of not being able to communicate even in the most ideal listening situations. Untreated hearing loss can lead to so many health complications that could just be avoided if a patient seeks out help. Here are some of the most common reasons why people don’t want to invest in hearing aids and why those excuses just don’t add up.
I can hear just fine. I just can’t understand people.
One of the first things people with hearing loss observe is “I hear people fine, but I don’t understand what they are saying.” Hearing loss involves not only our ears, but also our brain: where sound waves are coded by the ears and then translated into meaningful words. While hearing loss can present itself in varying degrees of severity in different frequencies, a very common progression of inner ear hearing loss is sloping high frequency hearing loss. If high-frequency hearing loss is found, there are hearing aids specifically designed to amplify high-pitched sounds without affecting low-pitched sounds, giving you the right amount of assistance in the right place. With millions of people suffering from hearing loss worldwide, you do not need to accept your condition without help.
Hearing Aids will make me look old.
There was a time when having to wear hearing aids carried the stigma of old age and people avoided admitting their need and seeking help for far too long, thus making the problem worse. Today’s hearing aids do not make people look old. In fact hearing loss itself is often more noticeable than hearing aids especially with the tiny discreet hearing aid models that are available today. With the miniaturization of components, the tiniest of hearing aids can accommodate greater hearing losses than they could before.
Hearing Aids will be a hassle
It is true that it can take a moment to adjust to hearing aids. It can take up to four months for you to get accustomed to your hearing aids and to really get the most out of them. You will notice small changes right from the start, but it’s important to be patient. If you have questions or concerns about your progress, be sure to call your hearing professional for help. Hearing aids often need to be adjusted several times during the trial period. This is a team effort; so do not be afraid to speak up. Once you get used to them you will be amazed at the amount of independence you can regain in your life.
Hearing Aids are too expensive.
You shouldn’t view a hearing aid as a “huge expense”. These devices should be considered more like investments—and you can get a great return on them. The first thing you must consider if you or a loved one has hearing loss is quality of life. Hearing loss has been proven to impact everything from job performance to health, so if someone has a need for a hearing aid, weigh the potential cost against the improvements to quality of life. If quality of life will improve dramatically, then hearing aids are a wise investment. One of the reasons Americans purchase smartphones is because they think they can’t live without them. Smartphones allow people to connect across enormous distances. But hearing aids also keep people connected; you can’t be part of the conversation if you can’t hear what is being said.
HearCare RI
If these aren’t enough reasons to invest in hearing aids, contact us at HearCare RI. Our list for the positive benefits of hearing aids to your life goes on and on. Set up an appointment today to have your hearing checked. We can go over your options and find the best hearing aids for you and your lifestyle. Invest in hearing aids today to live your fullest life into tomorrow.