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? Possibly, the most disturbing statistic is the fact that only 16% of individuals who require hearing aids have ever used them.
People who require hearing aids might decide not to use them for several reasons. They may choose to suffer in silence because they are anxious about a possible stigma linked to aging or are too full of pride to wear a hearing aid.
Price is frequently another worry. It can be relatively challenging to get help paying for hearing aids and they can be pretty costly.
Hearing aids are, however, the best available choice for the majority of people who have loss of hearing, and for people who can’t afford hearing aids, there are other types of assistance available.
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. Isolation, anxiety, and depression are more prevalent in people with hearing loss and they also have a higher instance of mental health issues. When these issues 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 ignoring hearing loss according to research.
What makes that figure even more surprising is that there are numerous ways to make hearing aids affordable.
How to Find Affordable Hearing Aids
If you need hearing aids but can’t afford them, there are several ways you can still get them. People suffering from 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. People who have limited incomes can get financial help or refurbished hearing aids from several groups.
What is My First Step in Finding Affordable Hearing Aids?
Obtaining a hearing test to figure out what level and type of hearing loss you have is your first step. Once you obtain 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 avenues can help is also something we can help with.
Whether you are eligible for coverage or not, there are often less expensive options.
Just ask us.