When considering hearing loss, the numbers tell an interesting story. As an illustration, around the world, over 466 million individuals have some type of hearing problem. Or that about 10% of the population has tinnitus, a chronic ringing in the ears? Possibly, the most troubling statistic is the fact that only 16% of individuals who need hearing aids have ever used them.
There are numerous reasons why somebody who needs a hearing aid may not use one. They may choose to suffer in silence because they are anxious about a potential stigma associated with aging or are too full of pride to use a hearing aid.
Another obstacle is the price. It can be somewhat challenging to get assistance paying for hearing aids and they can be rather expensive.
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 types of assistance available.
Deciding Against Hearing Aids Can Come at a Cost
Sadly, the consequence of not buying a hearing aid when you need one can be even more costly than actually buying one. People who have hearing loss frequently encounter more challenges earning a living and cope with more mental health disorders, including depression, solitude, and anxiety. When both the possible future health issues, and the quality of life challenges are added up, the cost of not getting hearing aids is significant. Your healthcare costs can, in fact, increase by as much as 40% by neglecting hearing loss according to research.
And the fact that there are a number of ways to make hearing aids more affordable makes this even more alarming.
How to Find Affordable Hearing Aids
If you need hearing aids but can’t afford them, there are several ways you can still get them. People dealing with hearing loss, who can’t afford hearing aids, might be able to get a pair from the Starkey Hearing Aid Foundation, which donates over 100,000 each year. Individuals who have restricted incomes can get financial assistance or refurbished hearing aids from a few different groups.
Getting Affordable Hearing Aids – The First Step
Getting a hearing test to find out what level and kind of hearing loss you have is your first step. 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 determine whether insurance, Veteran’s associations, or other affiliations will help with the costs.
Usually, with a little effort, you can find a solution that will fit your budget.
Just ask us.