When it comes to hearing loss, the numbers tell an interesting story. For example, did you realize that almost 466 million individuals around the world have at least some hearing problems? Or that about 10% of the population has tinnitus, a chronic ringing in the ears? Perhaps the most disturbing statistic is the fact that only 16% of individuals who need hearing aids have ever used them.
People who need hearing aids may choose not to use them for several reasons. Frequently, pride and the perceived stigma of aging causes them to suffer in silence.
Price is often another worry. It can be fairly challenging to get assistance paying for hearing aids and they can be pretty expensive.
Hearing aids are, however, the best available option for most people who have hearing loss, and there are other services and assistance available to people who couldn’t otherwise afford hearing aids.
Deciding Against Hearing Aids Can Come at a Cost
Sadly, the impact of not purchasing a hearing aid when you need one can be even more costly than actually buying one. Isolation, anxiety, and depression are more widespread in individuals with hearing loss and they also have a higher instance of mental health conditions. When these problems are added up, the real cost of not getting hearing aids is significant, both in the quality of life and in health concerns that turn up later. Your healthcare costs can, in fact, increase by up to 40% by neglecting hearing loss according to research.
What makes that figure even more shocking 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 several ways you can still get them. The Starkey Hearing Foundation gives over 100,000 hearing aids each year to individuals that have hearing loss who otherwise could not afford treatments. Individuals who have limited incomes can get financial help or refurbished hearing aids from several groups.
What is My First Move in Finding Affordable Hearing Aids?
Obtaining a hearing test to find out what level and kind of hearing loss you have is step one. Once you obtain your results, you’ll be able to explore options for how you will begin hearing better again. Whether insurance, Veteran’s associations, or other strategies can help is also something we can help with.
In most cases, with a little effort, you can uncover an option that will fit your budget.
Just ask us.