Hearing loss in the US is one of the greatest untold stories of our time. You may not know it, but despite rapid advances in hearing aid technology, the number of people experiencing hearing problems continues to grow. In fact, about 15% American adults aged 18 and over report trouble hearing. In total, this amounts to a staggering number: approximately 37.5 people.
Of the 37.5 people affected by hearing loss in the US, around 28.8 million could seriously benefit from using hearing aids, according to research from the NIDCD Epidemiology and Statistics Program. However, among adults over 70 who could stand to benefit, only 30% have ever used them. For those aged 20 to 69, the number is even smaller – only 16% have ever used hearing aids.
There are multiple reasons for this lack of commitment to what could be a worthy solution for a lot of people:
Hearing Loss in the US - Social stigma
Hearing loss in the US is not only a growing health concern, it is also deeply affected by outdated perceptions and social stigma. For many people, the simple truth is that hearing aids are still seen as uncool or unfashionable. In many instances, this belief stems from old-fashioned stereotypes of hearing aid devices that looked like large, clunky grey blocks hanging from the ear.
Thankfully, this couldn’t be further from today’s reality. Modern hearing aids are tiny, discreet, and designed with cutting edge technology. Many are virtually indistinguishable from wireless earbuds, offering features like Bluetooth connectivity, noise reduction, and customizable settings. Yet despite these advancements, stigma continues to discourage millions from seeking help, contributing to the underuse of hearing aids, even as hearing loss in the US continues to rise across all age groups.
Undiagnosed/misdiagnosed conditions
Without proper diagnosis, there may not even be a recognition of the problems you may face. For hundreds of thousands of Americans, hearing loss can be something that they are either unaware of or unsure of the extent of.
Furthermore, a misdiagnosis can cause all manner of complications: if an audiologist incorrectly identifies the root cause of the hearing loss, or its precise nature (e.g. a particularly high frequency hearing loss as opposed to a lower one), then the hearing aids prescribed may not be suitable. As a result, the wearer may not see the full benefit of a properly attuned hearing aid, and it may even exacerbate the issues that one is facing. In the long term, this is likely to discourage the person from wearing their hearing aids, or even put them off pursuing alternatives altogether.
Financial and logistical barriers
In today’s age of inflation and the difficulties that have come about as a result of the pandemic, every dollar counts. For many Americans, hearing loss in the US has meant that purchasing a hearing aid has either become a lower priority or they have been priced out of the market. For others still, even finding a newarby audiologist can prove a major difficulty. Thankfully, due to the recent changes in the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017, companies such as us at Hearing Aid Accessory are now able to offer a fantastic range of gadgets at more afforable prices than ever before, passing the benefits on to you, the customer!
Occupational reasons
Working in an already noisy or risky environment can mean that individuals are disinclined to wear their hearing aids or feel especially sensitive with their hearing. In the content of hearing loss in the US, this is a common concern for those in industrial or high-noise workplaces. Happily, we at Hearing Aid Accessory offer a broad range of protective devices that are specially designed to help you take care of your hearing in all environments. To explore some of the options, click here.
In addition to all of the above reasons, many people simply do not realize just how far hearing aids have come in the past twenty years. In the context of hearing loss in the US, this lack of awareness can prevent individuals from seeking the help they need. Nowadays, hearing aids boast a huge variety of functions and can communicate with all kinds of multimedia devices, from mobile phones to laptops to Smart TVs.
At Hearing Aid Accessory we can help you to get the best out of your devices, all for a fraction of the cost you can find elsewhere. So, why wait? Start exploring our amazing selection today!
