When considering hearing loss, the numbers tell an interesting story. As an example, globally, over 466 million people suffer from some type of hearing issue. Or that about 10% of the population struggles with tinnitus, a chronic ringing in the ears? But sadly, hearing aids are used by only 16% of people who really need them.
There are several reasons why somebody who requires a hearing aid may not use one. Often, pride and the perceived stigma of aging causes them to suffer silently.
Another worry is the price. It can be somewhat difficult to get assistance paying for hearing aids and they can be rather costly.
Hearing aids are, however, the best available option for most individuals who have hearing loss, and for individuals who can’t afford hearing aids, there are other types of help available.
Deciding Against Hearing Aids Can be Costly
Unfortunately, the real cost of not using a hearing aid can be even worse than the financial impact of purchasing them. Solitude, anxiety, and depression are more prevalent in individuals with hearing loss and they also have a higher rate of mental health problems. When these problems are added up, the true cost of not getting hearing aids is considerable, both in the quality of life and in health concerns that pop up later. As a matter of fact, studies have shown that neglecting hearing loss can increase your healthcare costs by as much as 40%.
And the fact that there are many ways to make hearing aids more affordable makes this even more alarming.
Finding 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 over 100,000 hearing aids each year to people suffering from hearing loss who otherwise could not afford treatments. Other groups and organizations offer financial help and refurbished hearing aids at a reduced price to people with limited incomes.
What’s My First Move in Getting Affordable Hearing Aids?
Obtaining a hearing test to figure out what level and kind of hearing loss you have is your first step. Once you get your results, you’ll be able to explore options for how you will start hearing better again. We can also help you figure out whether insurance, Veteran’s associations, or other affiliations will help with the expenses.
Whether you are eligible for coverage or not, there are frequently less costly solutions.
Let us help.
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