Regarding hearing loss, the numbers tell an interesting story. For instance, did you realize that nearly 466 million people around the world have at least some hearing issues? Or that nearly 10% of the population struggles with tinnitus, a chronic ringing in the ears? But unfortunately, hearing aids are used by only 16% of individuals who really need them.
There are numerous reasons why someone who requires a hearing aid might not use one. Often, pride and the perceived stigma of old age causes them to suffer in silence.
Price is often another worry. Hearing aids can cost thousands for a set, and getting help to pay for them can be tricky (though laws are changing).
Hearing aids are, however, the best available choice for the majority of people who have loss of hearing, 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 consequence of not buying a hearing aid when you need one can have a bigger cost than actually buying one. Individuals suffering from hearing loss frequently encounter more difficulties earning a living and deal with more mental health conditions, like depression, isolation, 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 considerable. Your healthcare costs can, in fact, increase by up to 40% by neglecting hearing loss according to research.
What makes that statistic even more surprising is that there are many ways to make hearing aids affordable.
How to Find 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 donates over 100,000 hearing aids each year to individuals that have hearing loss who otherwise could not afford treatments. People who have restricted incomes can get financial help or refurbished hearing aids from several groups.
Finding Affordable Hearing Aids – The First Move
Obtaining a hearing test to figure out what level and type 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.
In most cases, with a little effort, you can uncover an option that will fit your budget.
Just ask us.