| WHY
DO SOME PEOPLE REJECT HEARING AIDS?
There may be several reasons why
people reject hearing aids. Fortunately, most people like
their hearing aids and are very satisfied with them. Below
is a listing of just a few reasons why hearing aids may be
rejected.
Denial
For one who does not think there is a problem, there is no
cure. What some people frequently forget is how important
our hearing is to the quality of our lives. As the ability
to hear diminishes, so does the ability to communicate. Many
people live their lives with insecurity and slowly remove
themselves from friends and family to avoid being
embarrassed. Recognizing that hearing loss is present and
that it is a problem is the first step in rehabilitation.
Size and Appearance
Some people are concerned about the stigma of wearing large
hearing aids because they feel that it might portray an idea
of disability or aging. Now there are smaller sizes of
hearing aids that make this concern not as traumatic for the
person. It is important to note, however, that not all
hearing losses can be fit with smaller hearing aids. Also,
ear and canal size may limit use of smaller aids. Your
audiologist is best suited to advise you regarding your
candidacy for different size hearing aids.
Currently we have in-the-canal (ITC)
instruments and completely-in-the-canal (CIC) instruments.
The CIC hearing aids are difficult to see in normal social
settings. The ITC hearing aids are a little larger and can
be seen fitted just over the entrance to the ear canal. Our
comprehensive hearing aid evaluations will assist you in
matching a hearing aid with your specific needs.
Poor Advice
Some people may give you their own personal advice about
hearing aids whether you asked for it or not. Some may even
inform you that hearing aids do not work. Regrettably, these
few people vocalize their opinions the loudest. With better
technology in hearing aids, recent studies report that three
out of four wearers had significant improvement in the
quality of life and were very satisfied with their hearing
aids. Even in very loud situations, two out of four wearers
were satisfied. Keep in mind, however, that even people with
normal hearing have difficulty communicating in loud
environments.
Investment In Your Quality Of Life
Finally, quality hearing aids are not inexpensive. Hearing
aids should be considered an investment in your health and
quality of life. The cost of one hearing aid ranges from
$800 to $2,500. Factors such as digital processing, size and
individual needs are considerations that determine what a
hearing aid costs.
|