Regarding hearing loss, the numbers say everything. For example, did you know that almost 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 unfortunately, hearing aids are used by just 16% of people who actually need them.
Individuals who require hearing aids might choose not to use them for several reasons. They may decide to suffer silently because they are anxious about a potential stigma associated with aging or are too prideful to use a hearing aid.
Price is frequently another concern. It can be relatively difficult to get help paying for hearing aids and they can be rather costly.
The fact remains, however, that hearing aids are the best solution available to most people who have hearing loss, and there are other services and assistance available to people who could not otherwise afford hearing aids.
Deciding Against Hearing Aids Can be Costly
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 common in individuals with hearing loss and they also have a higher rate of mental health issues. When these problems are added up, the true cost of not getting hearing aids is substantial, both in the quality of life and in health issues that turn up later. Your healthcare costs can, in reality, increase by up to 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.
Finding Affordable Hearing Aids
If you need hearing aids but can’t afford them, there are a few ways you can still get them. The Starkey Hearing Foundation gives more than 100,000 hearing aids each year to people that have 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.
Getting Affordable Hearing Aids – The First Step
Obtaining a hearing test to figure out what level and kind 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 avenues can help is also something we can help with.
Usually, with a little effort, you can uncover a solution that will fit your budget.
Let us help.