Although age-related hearing loss becomes more likely as the years go by, a recent finding shows that only 1 in 5 people get the treatment they need for age related hearing loss. With this incredibly low number in mind, you might wonder why so many people decide not to get the help they need. Each person’s experience of hearing loss is different, and there are some unique reasons that seniors use to avoid getting treatment for hearing loss. Let’s look at a few of these common reasons for avoiding hearing aids. Do any of them sound familiar to you? If you’ve heard one of these reasons coming from your loved one or out of your own mouth, then it’s time to reexamine your thinking about treatment.
“I don’t think I have hearing loss.”
Although most people who avoid treatment realize that they have hearing issues, there are some people who just don’t realize they have a problem. When they are faced with the question about getting treatment for hearing loss, they don’t think that there is any issue to treat. In most cases, their hearing loss has developed slowly over time, meaning that they simply don’t realize that it has become an issue. If they were to get a hearing test, though, it would show that they could benefit from hearing aids indeed.
“Hearing aids don’t do much good.”
This line of reasoning comes from decades old models of hearing aids that had technical issues. Some of these old hearing aids simply raised the volume on the world, and many users found that they accentuated background noise at the same time as voices in a conversation. The confusing mélange of sound was indeed problematic for users, but current hearing aid models have resolved those issues. Contemporary hearing aids use Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) to transform the sound of the world into something comprehensible. They do a lot of good to enhance understanding in conversations, and older issues like whistling feedback have been reduced, as well.
“I’m getting by just fine without hearing aids.”
Those who realize that they have age-related hearing loss sometimes think they are doing fine at coping on their own. They feel like they get enough out of communication to make their life functional, and they don’t really care about the other things they miss. They might tend to check out in conversations, but that doesn’t really bother them. Although these people might have made their peace with hearing loss, it can cause much more serious issues in other domains. Particularly those who check out in conversations due to hearing loss are at a much higher risk of developing dementia. Without the mental exercise that comes from listening, processing, and responding to sound, these people can suffer higher rates of cognitive dysfunction and a faster rate of decline.
“Hearing aids aren’t worth the cost.”
With these potential issues like Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia in mind, we can see that the investment in hearing aids is certainly worth the cost. Untreated hearing loss is related to a wide range of other physical and mental health issues. These potential problems include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, accidental injuries and falls, anxiety, and depression. With the high cost of treating these conditions, hearing aids can be a simple investment in future health. Those who fail to get treatment for hearing loss even tend to have lower incomes. Whether due to poor workplace performance or communication issues with supervisors, there can be a direct financial cost to not getting hearing aids when they are needed.
If your recognize any of these phrases, it is important to set the record straight about getting treatment for age-related hearing loss. Rather than being in the group of 4 out of 5 people who don’t receive the treatment they need, why not begin to reap the benefits of treatment right away. When you get treatment for hearing loss, you will be able to rejoin communication and the enjoyment of the sounding world in a way that facilitates your relationships and your independent lifestyle. There is no better day than today to make your appointment for a hearing test.
