When it comes to hearing loss, the numbers tell an interesting story. As an example, around the world, over 466 million people experience some kind of hearing issue. Or that nearly 10% of the population struggles with tinnitus, a chronic ringing in the ears? But unfortunately, hearing aids are used by only 16% of people who really need them.
There are several reasons why someone who requires a hearing aid may not use one. They might decide to suffer silently because they are worried about a possible stigma associated with aging or are too full of pride to use a hearing aid.
Another obstacle is the price. It can be relatively difficult to get assistance paying for hearing aids and they can be pretty costly.
Hearing aids are, however, the best available choice for the majority of people who have hearing loss, and for people who can’t afford hearing aids, there are other kinds of help available.
Deciding Against Hearing Aids Can be Costly
Unfortunately, the true cost of not using a hearing aid can be even more than the financial consequence of purchasing them. People who have hearing loss frequently face more difficulties earning a living and deal with more mental health disorders, like depression, solitude, and anxiety. When both the potential future health issues, and the quality of life challenges are added up, the cost of not getting hearing aids is significant. In fact, research has shown that ignoring hearing loss can increase your healthcare costs by up to 40%.
What makes that statistic even more alarming is that there are numerous ways to make hearing aids affordable.
How to Find Affordable Hearing Aids
If you need hearing aids but can’t afford them, there are a few ways you can still get them. The Starkey Hearing Foundation donates more than 100,000 hearing aids every year to individuals suffering from hearing loss who otherwise could not afford treatments. People who have limited incomes can get financial help or refurbished hearing aids from a few different groups.
Getting Affordable Hearing Aids – The First Move
Before you make contact with any of the services or institutions listed above, you should first get a hearing examination to identify 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 options. Whether insurance, Veteran’s associations, or other avenues can help is also something we can help with.
Whether you are eligible for coverage or not, there are frequently less costly solutions.
Let us help.