When considering hearing loss, the numbers tell an interesting story. For example, did you know that nearly 466 million people worldwide have at least some hearing issues? Or that almost 10% of the population has tinnitus, a chronic ringing in the ears? But regrettably, hearing aids are used by only 16% of individuals who really need them.
Individuals who need hearing aids may choose not to use them for several reasons. Frequently, pride and the perceived stigma of growing older causes them to suffer silently.
Another concern is the cost. Hearing aids can cost thousands for a set, and getting help to pay for them can be challenging (though laws are changing).
Hearing aids are, however, the best available option for the majority of people who have hearing loss, and for individuals who can’t afford hearing aids, there are other types of help available.
Deciding Against Hearing Aids Can Come at a Cost
Sadly, the consequence of not purchasing a hearing aid when you need one can have a bigger cost than actually buying one. Solitude, anxiety, and depression are more prevalent in people with hearing loss and they also have a higher rate of mental health problems. 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 issues that appear later. As a matter of fact, studies have shown that ignoring hearing loss can raise your healthcare costs by as much as 40%.
What makes that statistic even more shocking is that there are many ways to make hearing aids affordable.
How to Find Affordable Hearing Aids
There are a few solutions available for individuals who need hearing aids but can’t afford them. The Starkey Hearing Foundation gives over 100,000 hearing aids every year to individuals suffering from hearing loss who otherwise could not afford treatments. Other groups and organizations offer financial help and refurbished hearing aids at a discounted price to people with limited incomes.
Finding Affordable Hearing Aids – The First Step
Obtaining a hearing test to find out what level and type of hearing loss you have is your first step. Once you get 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.
Whether you are eligible for coverage or not, there are frequently less expensive options.
Let us help.