When considering hearing loss, the numbers tell an interesting story. As an illustration, around the world, over 466 million individuals experience some kind of hearing issue. Or that nearly 10% of the population suffers from tinnitus, a chronic ringing in the ears? Perhaps the most troubling statistic is the fact that only 16% of people who need hearing aids have ever used them.
People who require hearing aids might choose not to use them for numerous reasons. They may decide to suffer in silence because they are anxious about a potential stigma linked to aging or are too prideful to wear a hearing aid.
Cost is often another concern. It can be fairly difficult to get assistance paying for hearing aids and they can be rather expensive.
The fact remains, however, that hearing aids are the best option available to most people who suffer from hearing loss, and for individuals who can’t afford hearing aids, there are other types of assistance available.
Deciding Against Hearing Aids Can be Costly
Unfortunately, the true cost of not using a hearing aid can be even worse than the financial consequence of buying them. People who have hearing loss frequently confront more difficulties making a living and cope with more mental health disorders, like depression, isolation, and anxiety. When these issues are added up, the real cost of not getting hearing aids is significant, both in the quality of life and in health concerns that turn up later. As a matter of fact, research has shown that neglecting hearing loss can increase your healthcare costs by as much as 40%.
What makes that figure even more surprising is that there are lots of ways to make hearing aids affordable.
Finding Affordable Hearing Aids
If you need hearing aids but can’t afford them, there are several ways you can still get them. The Starkey Hearing Foundation donates more than 100,000 hearing aids every year to people that have hearing loss who otherwise could not afford treatments. Other groups and organizations offer financial assistance and refurbished hearing aids at a discounted price to individuals with restricted incomes.
Getting Affordable Hearing Aids – The First Move
Obtaining a hearing test to find out what level and type 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.
Usually, with a little effort, you can uncover a solution that will fit your budget.
Let us help.