The Top Excuses People Use to NOT get hearing aids

When our hearing declines, we experience more than just the loss of sound. Our connections with others, our sense of vitality, and even our joy in hobbies may fade as well. Despite this, the advantages of hearing treatment significantly overshadow any potential disadvantages. In this article, we’ll dive into the three most common reasons individuals hesitate to get hearing aids and offer data and resources to address these concerns.

Excuse #1: Hearing Aids Are Too Expensive

According to HearingTracker, the average cost of a hearing aid in the US is $2372, making cost the most common reason people choose not to get hearing aids. However, there are ways to overcome the cost barrier:

• Unbundled hearing aid pricing — Unbundled hearing aid pricing is when the hearing care provider charges separately for some (or all) of the future service. This can often reduce the upfront cost of hearing aids and may reduce the overall cost if you are unlikely to need much follow-up care. At Anywhere Audiology, we offer both bundled and unbundled pricing plans.
• Considering lower-tier technology — At Anywhere Audiology, we offer hearing aids from the major hearing aid manufacturers. These companies all make devices at different price points, based on the features and technology needed. You may not need every feature available in a product. Contact us to discuss what hearing aids and performance levels might be right for you.

Excuse #2: Hearing Aids Will Make Me Look Old

For decades, hearing aids have been considered a device for the elderly. But today’s hearing aids are designed to look sleek and stylish—or to not look at all. With numerous options available, it’s up to you to decide what style works best for you. If you are concerned about how hearing aids may make you look, here are some types of hearing aids to consider:

• Invisible-in-the-Canal and Completely-In-Canal: IIC and CIC hearing aids are the most discreet, with IIC being almost invisible. They have good sound and are custom-fitted to your ears. One of the more popular types of IIC is the Oticon Own IIC.
• Receiver-In-Canal: These are hearing aids where the electronics sit mostly outside of the ear, but the speaker is moved into the earpiece instead of the case. They are easier to clean and more convenient for fitting and removal. RIC hearing aids also offer clear and natural sound with less feedback issues. Again, these tend to be more visible, but the clear tube and small earpiece make it relatively hard to see from a distance. For a stylish RIC solution, check out the Styletto AX hearing aids from Signia.

Excuse #3: I'm Not Sure I Have Hearing Loss

Many people may not even think they have hearing loss or sometimes they just aren’t willing to admit they’re struggling with it. But with the benefits of hearing well and the limitations of struggling to hear, it’s important to come to terms with your hearing loss. Here are some of the symptoms of a hearing loss:

Symptoms of Hearing Loss

• Difficulty hearing in noisy situations
• Difficulty understanding speech in a group setting
• Struggling to hear higher-pitched sounds, like children's voices, female voices, crickets chirping or birds singing
• Having to turn up the volume on the TV or radio
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Struggling to hear speech on the telephone
• Inability to hear some common sounds, like doorbells or alarm clocks
• Having to ask people to repeat themselves frequently
• Having to avoid social situations because of difficulty hearing
• Needing to rely on lip-reading or visual cues

Why You Should Embrace Hearing Aids

The advantages of hearing aids significantly outweigh any potential downsides. These modern devices are a lifeline to a world that may be nearly inaccessible due to moderate or severe hearing loss. By using hearing aids, your relationships with friends and family will strengthen, and your overall mood will improve as you no longer feel left out of conversations and experiences.

Moreover, wearing hearing aids helps to mitigate some of the negative consequences associated with untreated hearing loss. One of these negative consequences is cognitive decline. While research continues, a strong correlation exists between hearing loss and Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Social isolation is another significant issue when you cannot engage in conversations with others. The mere inability to hear sounds that inform you about your surroundings can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and even depression.

Undoubtedly, the cost of hearing aids can be a concern, even for those who understand their necessity and are not bothered by their appearance. However, it is crucial to remember that not getting hearing aids results in even greater losses. They help to maintain your connection with loved ones and reduce stress and anxiety in both professional and recreational settings.

If you or someone you know is experiencing hearing loss and uncertain about what hearing aids might mean for them, we encourage you to consult with an Audiologist about hearing loss and these life-changing devices. Our team of mobile audiologists has helped many patients regain their hearing and independence. We would love the opportunity to assist you or your loved one as well.