When it comes to your hearing, there is really no reason not to take the step toward improvement. Yet, many of us find mental barriers getting in the way of seeking hearing assistance. Let’s take a look at some of the most common excuses that we can use to avoid getting the help we need. When we look at them one by one, we can see that there is really no reason not to get help right away.
“My hearing isn’t that bad yet”
If you have noticed some hearing loss, you might think it really isn’t that extreme. You might tell yourself that you’ll get hearing aids sometime down the road when it becomes a real problem. The trouble with this excuse is that hearing loss gets worse with time. As a natural part of the aging process, our ears lose their sensitivity to quiet and high-pitched sounds. The tiny hair-like structures of the inner ear are damaged as they are exposed to sound over the years. There is really no reason not to seek out assistance sooner rather than later, because the hearing you have already lost is not coming back without an assistive device. Furthermore, it is helpful to have a baseline exam of your hearing ability in order for your hearing professional to track your progress. Knowing where you are now is an important diagnostic tool for the future of your hearing ability.
“Hearing aids are too expensive”
Although there is a wide range of cost for hearing aids, there is also a wide range of payment options to make it possible to afford them. Many insurance plans can do something to offset the cost of aids, particularly Medicare supplemental plans, and you can check with your insurance provider to find out if they cover the cost of your hearing test or give a discount on the aids themselves. Payment plans are often available to defray the immediate cost of aids, as well. The bigger question you have to ask yourself is how valuable hearing is to you. It is difficult to put a price on the ability to communicate freely with your loved ones and to move comfortably through the world.
“Hearing aids are frustrating”
Perhaps you have a friend or loved one who uses hearing aids and reported to you some frustration with their operation. Some people have trouble inserting and removing hearing aids, particularly those of us with dexterity challenges or arthritis. Others find that their aids squeal with feedback in some environments. The good news is that solutions are available for all of these frustrating aspects of hearing aids. A range of sizes are available for people with manual dexterity challenges, and many hearing aids are automatically adjusted to the sonic environment to avoid that annoying squeal that you’ve heard coming from other aids. The first step is to mention these concerns to a hearing professional. This person is an expert in the functions of hearing aids and can recommend options that are not frustrating at all.
“I’m not old enough for hearing aids”
Although many of us associate hearing aids with older people, they are not only helpful to the elderly. People of all ages can benefit from hearing aids, and they are not necessarily a sign that you have reached old age! The latest models are completely invisible, and your friends and loved ones need not even know you are wearing hearing aids in many cases. The bigger picture is that hearing aids are such a benefit to your social life and feeling of freedom in the world that they may actually make you feel younger.
Comprehensive Ear and Hearing
If you have been living with hearing loss but feel like you aren’t old enough for hearing aids, you have been struggling to communicate and interface with the world. Restoring those abilities makes many people feel like they are young once again!
If you have been using any of these excuses to avoid getting hearing aids, the time is now to take the first step in the direction of improving your life. It is simple to set up an appointment for a hearing test, so don’t delay to make the call to Comprehensive Ear and Hearing!