For most people, it's difficult to admit when they need help. Whether its help with finances, advice on life direction, assistance with a work task, or any other thing that they can't take on alone, asking for help is a difficult thing to do.
The same holds for people that suffer from hearing loss. It's not easy to admit that you need the assistance of hearing aids to hear the world as well as you used to. But for most, once they admit they need and take the plunge, they quickly find out that they've been missing out on a lot of the world around them.
In this article, we'll explore how to know that it's time to look into hearing aids. They will improve your life and make you wonder why you didn't do it sooner.
Let's dive in.
Avoid Waiting to Get a Hearing Test
On average, a person suffering from hearing loss waits about seven years from the time they first notice their worsening hearing when they finally get a hearing test. Think of all the time that's wasted living with dull hearing.
The question is, why do people wait so long? In reality, everybody has their reasons. But in general, it has a lot to do with:
- Denial of the problem
- Costs involved
- The appearance of hearing aids
- Comfort level of hearing aids
To understand these reasons better, we need to get into more detail.
Four Reasons People With Hearing Loss Delay the Problem
The first major reasons are denial. People who have been told by friends and family that they are suffering from hearing loss may feel like they can still get along just fine. While there may be some truth to this, hearing loss isn't a problem that a person should just deal with.
When a person suffers from hearing loss, there are places where they have difficulty hearing what's going on in their surroundings. There are also certain individuals that they just can't hear well enough to understand when they talk.
There's no need to just “get by” when the right hearing aids will allow you to thrive.
The next reason that a lot of people avoid dealing with their hearing loss is a lack of finances. Unfortunately, the majority of health insurance policies, including Medicare, don't cover expenses for hearing aids. Because of this, it's easy to put off getting hearing aids because they cost too much.
While it's true that some hearing aids can be expensive, there are options that exist for anyone who wants to get a better hearing. Becker Hearing Center can find an option that works for any patient. Another incredible option is Blue Angels Hearing.
Even if you can't afford the absolute top-of-the-line hearing aids, you should talk to an audiologist about what options are available to you. Remember, there are payment plans and additional funding options that can help you out.
Other people are worried about a perceived stigma in the way hearing aids look when they're worn. Too many hearing loss sufferers worry that if they wear hearing aids, it will make them look old. They may worry that their friends and family will see the hearing aids and judge them.
In the past, hearing aids were pretty ugly. You probably didn't know that they've come a long way in the last decade. Today's hearing aids come in several sizes and shapes. There are many hearing aids on the market today that are nearly invisible.
If your excuse for not getting hearing aids is that you're afraid of how they'll look, in today's market you've run out of excuses. The truth is, not being able to hear conversations makes you look older to friends and family than wearing a hearing aid ever could!
Lastly, people worry about how comfortable a hearing aid is. There's a misconception that wearing hearing aids is a hassle.
When you visit your audiologist for an evaluation, ask them to show you exactly what needs to be done to take the hassle out of wearing hearing aids. Many of the newest digital hearing aids are 100% automatic. Once you put them in place, there's nothing left to deal with. And they're incredibly comfortable.
They'll even automatically adjust to various sounds without the need for you to push any buttons or make any adjustments.
Why You May Need Hearing Aids
We've discussed why you may be putting off getting hearing aids. Now it's time to look at the reasons why you need them and how they will improve your life.
Living with noticeable hearing loss diminishes your quality of life. Studies show that individuals who suffer from untreated hearing loss are much more likely to experience depression, social isolation, lack of confidence and anxiety.
If any of these describe how you're feeling due to hearing loss, Becker Hearing Center can help.
Hearing aids will also improve your relationships. Communication is the number one key to any successful relationship, whether it's friends, significant others or other family members.
When there's a communication breakdown due to hearing loss, relationships will suffer. Hearing aids solve this problem overnight.
Also, living with hearing loss leads to a greater risk of dementia and memory loss. Recent studies have revealed this, with the reason being the brain lacks the stimulation that comes from our ears. Wearing hearing aids helps reduce this risk by feeding the brain with the audible stimuli it needs.
One final reason you know you need hearing aids is when you notice you've decreased socialization.
When it's hard to hear, it's easier to avoid social situations than struggle through them. This results in reducing or eliminating activities you used to enjoy, such as church, volunteering or group dinners, and outings.
Get Your Hearing Checked Today
As you can see, there are serious consequences when hearing loss is left untreated. The good news is, there's a simple solution. Once you notice hearing loss, it's time to see an audiologist for a test.
At Becker Hearing Center in NJ, we'll get your hearing loss problem solved. Give us a call today and let's discuss your situation. If you're in Central NJ, call 609-436-5740. For those in Southern NJ, reach us at 856-772-1617. If in Philadelphia, the number is 215-515-5999.
