According to the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC), 48 million people in the United States are affected by hearing loss. Hearing loss is especially common for older people. For Americans over the age of 65, one out of three suffer from hearing loss. For Americans over the age of 75, two out of three have some degree of hearing loss. Fortunately, in many cases, hearing aids are very effective for correcting hearing loss. Sadly, however, there are some who refuse to wear hearing aids.
Here are three common excuses for not wearing hearing aids.
1. Hearing Aids Are Too Uncomfortable
Today's hearing aids are nothing like they used to be. At one time, hearing aids were big and bulky and there was only one kind to choose from. Today, there are various models so that a person who needs hearing aids can choose the one that best suits their needs.
As with most new devices, hearing aids can be uncomfortable at first and might take some time to get used to. According to hearing aid experts, it may take up to four months to get used to wearing hearing aids. If hearing aids continue to be uncomfortable, they simply might need to be adjusted.
2. Hearing Aids Are Too Complicated
At one time, hearing aids needed to be adjusted manually on a regular basis. Nowadays, however, hearing aids can be adjusted as necessary by microprocessors that are embedded inside the hearing device. While hearing aids do require some maintenance, it is minimal.
Some hearing aid maintenance tips include:
- Always keep hearing aids in a dry place.
- Change the hearing aid batteries often.
- Keep hearing aids free from earwax.
Hearing aids should also be cleaned on a regular basis. Professional cleaning can be done by hearing aid maintenance services.
3. Hearing Aids Aren't Really Necessary
Some people with hearing loss are adamant that they don't really need hearing aids. These people feel that others around them can simply speak more loudly. While it is true that people around them can speak more loudly, it is exhausting for both parties to carry on a conversation this way. In order to avoid having to speak more loudly, people might end up avoiding the person with hearing loss.
Besides affecting their social life, going through life with untreated hearing loss can affect their mental health. Depression is quite common for those with hearing loss. Also, their safety could be affected as well, since they won't be able to hear alarms and other noises intended to alert them of danger. For those with hearing loss, hearing aids really are a necessity.
For more information, reach out to hearing aid maintenance services.
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