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Why
People Don't Acquire Hearing Aids
According to Dr. Sam Trychin in his article, "Why People Don't Acquire and/or Wear Hearing Aids From a Psychologist's Point of View," Shhh,May/June 1990, costs and lack of information (both on hearing aids themselves and on how to pay for the examination and the apparatus), are two very important factors as to why so many people forgo this simple experience with hearing aids, or were even told by a medical professional that a hearing aid won't help their certain situation. Others may simply not be able to afford them. In both cases, relevant information would help to educate those with hearing impairments that not only can help be obtained, but in some communities there are organizations that will assist with finding financial assistance. The biggest stumbling block for most people, however, is their vanity. Wearing a hearing aid conjures up all sorts of negative images in people's minds. From admitting that they're not perfect to feeling old or infirm, people often let appearances keep them from hearing and enjoying their lives. Excuses People don’t get hearing aids for many reasons. You might be the person making any of the following statements about why you haven’t had your hearing tested. Or you might have a parent or spouse who says these things: "I can hear just fine." You may think this because the problem came about gradually. You may have adjusted to the decline in your hearing and believe you are still hearing normally. Others around you, though, may believe differently! "People just don’t talk as clearly as they should." It’s probably your hearing, not their talking. It’s common for people, like President Clinton, to find it hard to hear speech in noisy places but still have normal hearing under other circumstances. "My friend got a hearing aid and she can’t stand it." Everyone’s experiences and needs are different. Friends may have put their hearing aids in the drawer because they didn’t et a good fit, received a poor quality product, or did not get proper counseling about how to use a hearing aid. "I can’t afford them." Many people have concerns about the cost of the testing and the aid, the lack of insurance reimbursement, and maintenance costs. Hearing aids can be a major expenditure, but many users find the costs well worth the improvement in quality of life. "They are so complicated." Today’s hearing aids are technologically advanced products, like minicomputers in your ears. But once they are set correctly to your needs, you don’t have to fiddle with them. They adjust automatically to different situations. "All they do is make noisy places noisier or screech." Newer designs do a much better job in increasing amplification when you need it, while not increasing background noise or annoying "feedback." "I won’t be able to talk on the phone." Most aids now come with special features to make telephone and cell phone conversations comfortable. "I don’t want to look old." Needing a hearing aid may be an unwelcome reminder to you of your aging process. But, many new aids are virtually invisible. "What will other people think?" A hearing aid won’t restore youth or normal hearing. Getting an aid does mean you are smart enough to do something about the damage to the sensory cells in your ears so you can function better. |
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