Regarding hearing loss, the numbers say everything. For example, did you know that nearly 466 million individuals worldwide have at least some hearing issues? Or that about 10% of the population suffers from tinnitus, a chronic ringing in the ears? Perhaps the most troubling statistic is the fact that only 16% of people who require hearing aids have ever used 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 in silence.
Cost is often another concern. It can be fairly challenging to get help paying for hearing aids and they can be rather expensive.
Hearing aids are, however, the best available choice for the majority of individuals who have hearing loss, and for people who can’t afford hearing aids, there are other kinds of assistance available.
Deciding Against Hearing Aids Can be Costly
Unfortunately, the real cost of not wearing a hearing aid can be even more than the financial consequence of buying them. Individuals suffering from hearing loss frequently confront more challenges earning a living and cope with more mental health disorders, such as depression, solitude, and anxiety. When these issues are added up, the real cost of not getting hearing aids is substantial, both in the quality of life and in health issues that turn up later. Your healthcare costs can, in fact, increase by up to 40% by ignoring hearing loss according to research.
What makes that figure even more shocking is that there are many ways to make hearing aids affordable.
Getting Affordable Hearing Aids
If you need hearing aids but can’t afford them, there are several ways you can still get them. The Starkey Hearing Foundation donates over 100,000 hearing aids every year to people that have hearing loss who otherwise could not afford treatments. People who have restricted incomes can get financial help or refurbished hearing aids from a few different groups.
What is My First Move in Getting Affordable Hearing Aids?
Before you get hold of any of the services or institutions listed above, you should first get a hearing test to identify the type of hearing aid that will work best for you. Once you obtain your results, you’ll be able to look into 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 often less expensive solutions.
Let us help.