If you get your hearing tested and have a hearing loss, you will probably be told you need to start wearing hearing aids. Because most hearing loss is not reversable, hearing aids are the recommended management option for most people with hearing loss.
So, why are people resistant to wearing hearing aids in the first place?
I am breaking down what you need to know about wearing hearing aids, the good and the bad, with 100% transparency, so you can make an informed decision about whether or not you should start wearing hearing aids.
5 Top Reasons People Say “No” to Hearing Aids
1. Hearing aids are expensive
What they say: “I can’t afford hearing aids.”
Hearing aids are expensive. The average cost of a pair of prescription hearing aids is $4,000.00. There is a lot that goes into hearing aids, especially if you are purchasing them from a professional who has provided their recommendation and expertise fitting the hearing aids for you.
What they really mean: “Correcting my hearing loss is not worth the cost”
Chances are you can actually afford hearing aids, but you don’t see the value in spending your money on hearing aids. In other words, you don’t believe your hearing loss is worth the price of the solution. However, If there was a surgery you needed (such as a knee replacement) to improve your quality of life, you wouldn’t think twice about spending thousands of dollars for it.
For those people who know they need hearing aids, they will find a way to get hearing aids regardless of the cost. Over-the-counter hearing aids have opened the door for people who can’t afford prescription hearing aids, or don’t think treating their hearing loss is worth $4,000.
2. I don’t need hearing aids
What they say: “My hearing is fine, they just mumble.”
If this is your reason for not getting hearing aids then you are still in the denial phase of your hearing loss.
This person does not believe they have a serious problem. However, there is a reason this person had a hearing test to begin with, so the hearing loss is likely noticeable.
Often times this person came into the office for a test at the prompting (or begging) of a spouse or family member. If that’s the case then the people who are around them the most are noticing the hearing loss and believe something needs to be done to improve it, they just aren’t yet willing to accept that.
What they mean: “I am not ready to accept I have a hearing loss.”
Even if your hearing loss isn’t negatively affecting your quality of life, it may be affecting a loved ones quality of life. Perhaps it is affecting their ability or willingness to communicate with you and putting a strain on your relationship.
3. Hearing aids make me look old
What they say: “I am not old enough for hearing aids.”
Unfortunately there is still a stigma around hearing aids that they are only for old people. I have seen patients in their 90s who give this as a reason for not wanting hearing aids. It goes along with #2, the denial of having a hearing loss. This person has stereotyped people who wear hearing aids as being “old” and they are not ready to accept that they are aging.
What they mean: “I don’t want people to think I’m old.”
1 out of every 3 people over 65 have hearing loss and should be wearing hearing aids. However, many people wait until they are much older and their hearing loss is much worse before they get them. Often times that waiting period before they finally treat their hearing loss is a critical time for their overall wellbeing. Hearing loss that is left untreated is a risk factor for dementia, falls, depression, and anxiety. That’s why it is crucial not to wait. Hearing aids can actually help to slow down the cognitive decline in high risk individuals by 48% in a 3-year period.
4. Hearing aids are a hassle
What they say: “I don’t want to deal with hearing aids.”
I kind of get this objection. When I receive this objection from patients it is usually because they don’t want to have to keep track of one more thing, in addition to their glasses, phone, daily medications, etc. They don’t want to worry about losing them, put them in every day, or learn how to care for them.
What they mean: “The hassle of hearing aids is not worth it.”
Wearing hearing aids may feel like a burden, but the reward you get from wearing them is so much greater. Plus, hearing aids have become much simpler to use. The cleaning is usually very minimal and most of today’s hearing aids are rechargeable, so no more small batteries to change. As far as getting them in your ears, if you are able to button a button on your shirt or put an earring in your ear then you can get hearing aids in easily.
5. Hearing aids won’t help
What they say: “I’ll figure something else out”
Many people who have this objection to getting hearing aids have a family member or friend that has had a negative experience with hearing aids. Oftentimes this is a parent who wore hearing aids 20 years ago.
What they mean: “I don’t trust that hearing aids are the best solution.”
Every person’s hearing loss and hearing history is different so you can’t compare their benefit from wearing hearing aids with yours. Yes, hearing aids are an electronic device and it is not a bad idea to read hearing aid reviews or get a recommendation for a hearing aid before purchasing, but unlike a pair of headphones for listening to music, hearing aids are medical devices intended to help a health issue. The hearing system is very intricate and the brain responds to hearing loss in different ways so your experience with hearing aids may be completely different.
Not only that, but hearing aid technology has advanced tremendously in the past decade. The hearing aids of today sound more like your natural hearing, don’t whistle, are smaller in size, and have features like Bluetooth and noise reduction that make a big different in their effectiveness for those with hearing loss.
Hearing aids are not the best solution for every person with hearing loss but chances are if your audiologist is recommending them for you, they are your best option. If you’d like a hearing aid recommendation, without being “sold” a hearing aid then use the button below to schedule your free virtual consult.
Schedule AppointmentWhy should you get hearing aids?
Not only will hearing aids help you hear your friends and family better, but they provide additional benefits to your life that you may not realize.
- Hearing aids can help you to hear healthcare instructions better
- Hearing aids can help you hear your environment better and improve safety
- Hearing aids can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia
- Hearing aids can help reduce the risk of falls
- Hearing aids can reduce tinnitus
- Hearing aids can give you more energy
- Hearing aids can improve your quality of life and mental health
Who should wear hearing aids?
Anyone who suspects they have a hearing loss should wear hearing aids. The only exception to that is when you have a medical contraindication to hearing aids such as active drainage from the ear or another medical issue of the ear that first needs to be addressed and treated.
When should you start wearing hearing aids?
As soon as you suspect or have been told you have a hearing loss you should start wearing hearing aids. There is no benefit to waiting until your hearing gets worse and in fact there is harm if you wait too long.
Where should you buy hearing aids?
If you have never visited an audiologist for a hearing aid consultation, I recommend you start there. If you are interested in seeing a virtual audiologist online, then Dr Hearing Loss can help! Click the button below to schedule your consult with us and we will discuss your hearing difficulties with you.
Schedule AppointmentWhat hearing aids are the best?
While there are several good hearing aids on the market today, there is no “best” hearing aid that works for everyone. The best hearing aid for you is going to depend on your hearing loss, as well as your lifestyle and the hearing aid features you need. That’s why it is a good idea to schedule a consult with an audiologist to get a personalized recommendation. If you’d like a hearing aid recommendation without being “sold” a hearing aid, use the button below to schedule your free consult today!
Schedule AppointmentIn my 13+ years as an audiologist, I have been met with a lot of resistance from my patients in regards to getting hearing aids.
I have also been very fulfilled in my career by helping many people hear better and improving their quality of life. Most of my patients who start wearing hearing aids are thrilled with them. I know you can be too!
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