Posted on: June 7, 2017
Nearly 80% of people who could benefit from hearing aids don’t use them. Why is this? The reasons are varied and range from cost to appearance. Over the next few blogs we will be looking at some common objections to hearing aids and their solutions. So, let’s begin with a look at the first and arguably most common objection: cost.
Cost is often cited as a reason for not using hearing aids. While there certainly is a financial cost, many tend to focus on this to the neglect of the very real cost of untreated hearing loss. These costs range from economic to emotional. On the economic side several studies suggest that on average people with untreated hearing loss have lower household income and higher healthcare costs. The higher healthcare costs may in part stem from the reason discussed below.
On the health side studies have found a link between hearing loss and dementia. It is thought that untreated hearing loss leads to decreased use of the hearing pathway and parts of the brain that process sound, leading to physical deterioration of the cells in these parts of the brain.
Emotionally, hearing loss can lead to social isolation as people withdraw because they cannot hear conversation with family and friends, resulting in increased rates of anxiety and depression.
Given all the effects of untreated hearing loss we can see why it is important to do something about it as soon as we can. The sooner hearing loss is treated the more likely one will maintain their quality of life. For those on limited incomes who may have difficulty affording hearing aids, many clinics, including Accurate Hearing, offer payment plans to help reduce the burden.
So there it is. There really is no reason to delay when treating hearing loss has so many benefits. Next time we’ll look at another common objection: appearance.
For now, if you would like more information, please feel free to contact us at one of our two locations:
Lower Sackville: 902-252-3004
Cole Harbour: 902-406-4327