If you or someone you love has hearing loss, hearing aids can be a remarkable tool to improve communication ability and to enable the enjoyment of the natural soundscape. Yet, too many people with hearing loss resist getting the help they deserve.
One of the most common reasons a person might not get hearing aids can feel insurmountable to loved ones and family members: denial. If a person is unwilling to admit to hearing loss, then that barrier must be crossed before treatment can be secured. If your loved one is resistant to the idea that hearing loss might be a problem, take your time talking with them in a safe environment.
Lead by simply asking questions. If you remember a time when hearing seemed to be a difficulty, simply ask about your loved one’s experience at that time. You might find that a little patience and an open mind is all that it took to help your loved one consider if hearing loss might be a problem.
Beyond this fundamental challenge, other excuses can prevent a person from pursuing hearing aids. Let’s look at a few of them, as well as what you can do to help overcome the obstacle.
Excuse #1: “My hearing isn’t that bad.”
Many people who are willing to admit they have hearing loss also struggle to admit how serious it has become. The only way to get an accurate assessment of the severity of hearing loss is to have a hearing test conducted by a professional. This exam will demonstrate the degree of hearing loss across different ranges of sound, and your hearing health professional can use this information to point you in the direction of suitable hearing aids.
Excuse #2: “Hearing aids are too much trouble.”
This excuse is a way to cloak a number of other concerns. Some people worry that they will not be able to adjust to hearing aids, concerned that the resulting sounds will be confusing or overwhelming to them.
Indeed, many hearing aids require an adjustment period, and it can be difficult to orient to the new richness of the sonic world. Training and consultation are available to help ease the transition to hearing aids, so the adjustment process should be not a deterrent.
Others might be worried about inserting and removing hearing aids. Particularly those with manual dexterity challenges or arthritis might worry that they will be unable to get the hearing aids in and out without fumbling. Getting the right pair of hearing aids that are large enough to handle is the best solution to this problem, so be sure to mention dexterity or arthritis when you are consulting with your hearing health professional.
Excuse #3: “I can’t afford them.”
Hearing aids have a wide range when it comes to cost, so be sure to discuss your budget when you go for the consultation. You might be able to trade off some features for less expensive aids. Some insurance will cover or assist with the cost of hearing aids, including Medicare, and many providers offer payment plans to defray the one-time sunk cost of hearing aids. In addition to these financing possibilities, the overall value of hearing aids is something to consider. The benefits of the aids might well outweigh the cost for many people, so why not explore the available options before writing them off?
Excuse #4: “I’m too young.”
One of the most common barriers to getting hearing aids is that they make a person feel as if they are “old.” This common misconception is based on a time when fewer people had hearing aids, in general.
Furthermore, youth hearing loss is on the rise, partially attributed to the extended use of headphones and earbuds, making it more common to find younger people with hearing aids, as well. Although they might make a person face the reality of age-related hearing loss, getting assistance right away is crucial for other factors, such as cognitive functioning and mental health.
Those who get treatment for hearing loss have a lower risk of memory issues and even dementia, meaning that getting hearing aids might actually make you feel younger longer. Beyond these considerations, it is essential to remember that hearing aids can provide an array of benefits it is hard to measure.
Why not help your loved one investigate the options before writing off hearing aids prematurely? Contact us today to learn more.