Why Delay Hearing Aids?

By Author: Nancy Sideri
Total Articles: 3
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Many people all over the world suffer from hearing loss, but do not seek hearing aids as an option. With the advances in digital hearing instrument technology, it is difficult to understand why. Patients have reported a number of reasons why they do not want to or delay consideration of amplification.

For many, the hearing loss has been so gradual that the individual may not have noticed the changes to their quality of daily life! If they would only take the time to consider the importance of good hearing to their daily activities, they might feel a greater need to seek intervention and management. Having greater information regarding hearing loss and its effects can be helpful to these individuals. Using information available, the first thing an individual should do is determine if they exhibit signs of hearing impairment.

Some have discovered that they do have hearing loss, but it is unilateral (one-sided) or mild in nature. Unfortunately, many of these patients will receive poor guidance and direction regarding amplification. Many well-intended physicians will recommend delaying amplification or suggest that ...
... the patient is not a candidate. This is not typically an intentional misdirection; rather the physician simply does not specialize in hearing related issues.

Quite a few hearing impaired individuals have family or friends who compensate for their loss. This compensation makes it difficult for the individual to truly notice the impact their hearing loss has created. Many significant others become the "ears" of the one with the hearing loss, repeating and retelling information from themselves and others. Until this crutch is removed, the hearing impaired individual is not likely to seek help.

Hearing instruments were once quite bulky and unattractive. For that reason, many will reject amplification due to the stigma associated with the hearing impairment and the hearing aids. Some may worry (without good reason) that their impairment makes them less attractive, interesting, and the like. Others worry that amplification will make them seem older and out of touch. Digital technology has allowed for streamlined, sleek designs in the hearing instrument market. Many aids are practically invisible or are cosmetically appealing. But it is important to remember that even the bulkiest of aids would be less apparent than hearing difficulty!

Finances can also play into this decision. This reason is not entirely misguided, as current technology has made aids not so cheap. However, for the benefit received, the cost evens out! If financial barriers exist, there may be some solutions. Many offices offer payment plans and financing. Other organizations may offer free or discounted rates. It is recommended to check into employee benefits, insurance coverage, charities (e.g., Starkey Hear Now, the Lions Club, etc.), and the Veterans Administration (if you are current or former military) for hearing aid help!

Nancy Sideri is a licensed Hearing Instrument Dispenser and Aural Rehabilitation Specialist and has over 17 years experience working with hearing-impaired individuals. Nancy began her career as a Hearing Instrument Specialist in association with Starkey Laboratories, the world's largest hearing aid manufacturer. Nancy specializes in expert testing and interpreting scores, appropriate instrument selection and level of technology that is best suited to fit personal lifestyle needs and is an industry leader in developing a personalized interactive aural rehabilitation program specifically designed to understand your unique loss characteristics, to help you achieve your "personal best" hearing solution with integrity and compassion. For up-to-date hearing aid information visit Nancy Sideri's website.