Regarding hearing loss, the numbers say everything. As an illustration, around the world, over 466 million individuals have some type of hearing issue. Or that about 10% of the population struggles with tinnitus, a chronic ringing in the ears? Perhaps the most disturbing statistic is the fact that only 16% of individuals who need hearing aids have ever used them.
There are numerous reasons why somebody who requires a hearing aid may not use one. Often, pride and the perceived stigma of old age causes them to suffer in silence.
Another apprehension is the cost. It can be somewhat challenging to get help paying for hearing aids and they can be pretty expensive.
Hearing aids are, however, the best available option for most individuals who have hearing loss, and for people who can’t afford hearing aids, there are other types of help available.
Deciding Against Hearing Aids Can be Costly
Regrettably, the real cost of not wearing a hearing aid can be even worse than the financial consequence of purchasing them. Isolation, anxiety, and depression are more common in people with hearing loss and they also have a higher rate of mental health problems. When both the potential future health problems, and the quality of life challenges are added up, the cost of not getting hearing aids is significant. As a matter of fact, studies have shown that disregarding hearing loss can raise your healthcare costs by up to 40%.
And the fact that there are several ways to make hearing aids more affordable makes this even more alarming.
Finding Affordable Hearing Aids
There are a few solutions available for people who need hearing aids but cannot afford 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 help and refurbished hearing aids at a reduced price to individuals with limited incomes.
What is My First Step in Getting Affordable Hearing Aids?
Before you contact any of the services or institutions listed above, you should first get a hearing examination to determine the kind of hearing aid that is the best choice for you. Your hearing test results will point you in the right direction and you can then look at solutions. We can also help you ascertain whether insurance, Veteran’s associations, or other affiliations will help with the costs.
Whether you are qualified for coverage or not, there are often less costly options.
Let us help.