When considering hearing loss, the numbers tell an interesting story. As an illustration, globally, over 466 million people have some kind of hearing problem. Or that almost 10% of the population has tinnitus, a chronic ringing in the ears? Possibly, the most disturbing statistic is the fact that only 16% of people who need hearing aids have ever used them.
Individuals who need hearing aids might choose not to use them for numerous reasons. Often, pride and the perceived stigma of old age causes them to suffer silently.
Cost is often another worry. It can be fairly difficult to get assistance paying for hearing aids and they can be pretty costly.
The fact remains, however, that hearing aids are the best choice available to most people who suffer from hearing loss, and there are other services and assistance available to those who could not otherwise afford hearing aids.
Deciding Against Hearing Aids Can Come at a Cost
Sadly, the consequence of not purchasing a hearing aid when you need one can have a bigger cost than actually buying one. Solitude, anxiety, and depression are more prevalent in people with hearing loss and they also have a higher instance of mental health problems. When these problems are added up, the true cost of not getting hearing aids is substantial, both in the quality of life and in health concerns that pop up later. Your healthcare costs can, in fact, increase by up to 40% by dismissing hearing loss according to research.
What makes that statistic even more shocking 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. Individuals 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 more than 100,000 every year. Other groups and organizations offer financial assistance and refurbished hearing aids at a discounted price to individuals with limited incomes.
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 exam to determine the kind of hearing aid that will work best for you. Once you obtain your results, you’ll be able to explore options for how you will start hearing better again. We can also help you ascertain whether insurance, Veteran’s associations, or other organizations will help with the expenses.
Whether you are qualified for coverage or not, there are often less expensive options.
Just ask us.