When it comes to hearing loss, the numbers say everything. As an illustration, around the world, over 466 million people suffer from some type of hearing issue. Or that about 10% of the population struggles with tinnitus, a chronic ringing in the ears? Perhaps the most disturbing statistic is the fact that only 16% of individuals who require hearing aids have ever used them.
There are numerous reasons why somebody who needs a hearing aid may not use one. Frequently, pride and the perceived stigma of aging causes them to suffer silently.
Price is often another worry. It can be fairly difficult to get help paying for hearing aids and they can be pretty costly.
The fact remains, however, that hearing aids are the best option available to most individuals who have hearing loss, and for people who can’t afford hearing aids, there are other types of assistance available.
The Real Cost of Not Using Hearing Aids
Sadly, the impact of not buying a hearing aid when you need one can be even more costly than actually buying one. Individuals who have hearing loss often encounter more difficulties making a living and deal with more mental health conditions, like depression, isolation, and anxiety. When these problems are added up, the true cost of not getting hearing aids is significant, both in the quality of life and in health issues that appear later. Your healthcare costs can, in fact, increase by as much as 40% by neglecting hearing loss according to research.
And the fact that there are a number of ways to make hearing aids more affordable makes this even more surprising.
Getting Affordable Hearing Aids
There are a few options available for people who need hearing aids but can’t afford them. The Starkey Hearing Foundation donates over 100,000 hearing aids every year to individuals dealing with hearing loss who otherwise could not afford treatments. Individuals who have restricted incomes can get financial assistance or refurbished hearing aids from several groups.
Getting Affordable Hearing Aids – The First Move
Getting a hearing test to figure out what level and kind 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 avenues 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.
Let us help.