When considering hearing loss, the numbers say everything. As an example, around the world, over 466 million individuals have some type of hearing issue. Or that almost 10% of the population suffers from tinnitus, a chronic ringing in the ears? But unfortunately, hearing aids are used by only 16% of individuals who really need them.
Individuals who need hearing aids might decide not to use them for numerous reasons. They might choose 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. It can be fairly challenging to get help paying for hearing aids and they can be rather expensive.
Hearing aids are, however, the best available choice for most individuals who have loss of hearing, and there are other services and assistance available to people who couldn’t normally afford hearing aids.
Deciding Against Hearing Aids Can be Costly
Unfortunately, the real cost of not using a hearing aid can be even worse than the financial impact of buying them. Individuals who have hearing loss commonly face more difficulties making a living and deal with more mental health disorders, such as depression, isolation, and anxiety. When these issues are added up, the true cost of not getting hearing aids is significant, both in the quality of life and in health concerns that appear later. Your healthcare costs can, in reality, increase by up to 40% by dismissing hearing loss according to research.
What makes that statistic even more shocking is that there are lots of 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. People that have hearing loss, who can’t afford hearing aids, may be able to get a pair from the Starkey Hearing Aid Foundation, which donates over 100,000 each year. Other groups and organizations offer financial help and refurbished hearing aids at a discounted price to individuals with limited incomes.
Finding Affordable Hearing Aids – The First Move
Obtaining a hearing test to find out what level and kind of hearing loss you have is step one. Once you get your results, you’ll be able to look into 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.
Whether you are qualified for coverage or not, there are frequently less costly options.
Just ask us.