As hearing health care continues to progress, we are better able to understand hearing loss and how to prevent it from impeding a person’s quality of life. But greater comprehension of hearing loss is just one piece of the puzzle.
Since hearing loss is such an individualized struggle, it is important to connect with how people feel about hearing loss and associated hearing correction devices like hearing aids.
Our hearing professionals are always looking into the latest information on hearing loss and related topics. During a recent search, they saw that Consumer Reports (CR) recently surveyed and reported on their findings regarding hearing loss and hearing aids, and our hearing specialists wanted to share with you their take on the reported findings.
What Holds People Back From Using Hearing Aids
One of the first things that the report from CR covered was why people hold off utilizing hearing aids to take care of their hearing loss. While many people would guess that the main reason would be due to not knowing they need one, the cost was actually the largest factor keeping people from investing in hearing aids.
According to the individuals that CR surveyed, the cost was the main barrier for 42% of participants. Other factors were:
- 26% simply haven’t had their hearing tested to check for hearing loss.
- 18% said they felt too embarrassed to wear hearing aids.
- 12% answered that hearing aids were uncomfortable to wear.
- 10% had heard a family member or friend had a poor experience and decided that hearing aids weren’t for them.
In case one of these hearing aid concerns resonated with you, our hearing professionals at Hearing Associates of Las Vegas wanted to address these reasons one by one.
Hearing Aid Cost
Many people are concerned about the cost of hearing aids when they discuss their hearing loss with our hearing instrument specialists. And while the most expensive hearing aid models can reach $3,500 for one hearing aid, this price point is not the norm.
Our hearing associates take your budget into account when it comes to recommending hearing aids to you. Also, we have financing available and accept health insurance as well as HSA and FSA payments to help you make your hearing aids more affordable.
Hearing Loss Testing
Hearing loss happens pretty slowly, so it can be tough to notice when you went from hearing well to struggling to follow the conversations around you. This pattern of gradual loss can leave you without an indication that anything is wrong until a friend or family member brings it up.
With an in-depth hearing evaluation once a year after you reach your late forties / early fifties, you can catch hearing loss early and not struggle with trying and failing to hear what is going on around you.
Embarrassed About Hearing Aids
Some people feel like hearing aids are a sign of aging or disability and are embarrassed to use hearing aids. However, there are several workarounds for this issue.
For instance, there are several styles of hearing aids that are inserted into the canal, and little is visible of the hearing aid. Our hearing instrument specialists can also place completely invisible hearing aids like Phonak’s Lyric hearing aids, which can be worn 24/7 and are completely unseen.
Along with finding the right style of hearing aids, you may be surprised by how different modern hearing aids look. While older hearing aids you may have seen on your grandparents were bulky and beige-colored, hearing aid casings have become sleeker and with more color variation.
Hearing Aids Uncomfortable
For the 12% who felt hearing aids were uncomfortable, a good deal of this issue comes down to who fitted you for your hearing aids and what kind of follow-up care you had.
If you need a custom hearing aid made, it is critical that you have a careful hearing instrument specialist help you. Our hearing instrument specialists take their time to ensure the casting of your hearing aid mold is clean and comfortable to ensure a good fit.
Also, with the fit, it is essential that your hearing aids are properly programmed. We use real-ear measurement to ensure the volume, frequency, and other listening attributes are properly calibrated for your individualized hearing loss so that you can have the best listening experience possible.
Second Hand Hearing Aid Accounts
As for friends or family members who have had bad experiences with hearing aids, again, hearing loss is a highly individualized experience and needs to be approached individually.
Our hearing specialists understand the individual nature of hearing loss and always work with you to determine your needs and level of comfort. With the more personalized care we provide, our patients are happier and more satisfied with their hearing aids.
Hearing Associates Of Las Vegas Are Your Hearing Health Care Source
With two offices in the Las Vegas area, Hearing Associates of Las Vegas are here to be your resource for all things hearing loss and hearing aid-related. We also help those who are struggling with tinnitus or who are unsure if they have hearing loss at all.
To address your hearing loss with one of our excellent hearing health care professionals, contact us today and set up your appointment toward better hearing!
info@hearingassociateslv.com
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