If hearing aids bring up the image of your grandmother with large plastic objects protruding from her ears that emit a piercing whine whenever she turns her head, it is no wonder you deny any suggestion of hearing loss and refuse to go to an otolaryngologist. Nobody wants to be saddled with these ancient devices that only marginally increase their ability to hear.
The good news is today’s hearing aids are nothing like the ones your grandmother had to endure.
So, if you find yourself asking people to repeat themselves more than you used to; avoiding social events because it is too hard to hear what people are saying in a crowd; or are being pestered by your kids to get your hearing checked, go ahead and do it. You have nothing to lose, and quite a bit to gain.
Your ability to hear well matters more than you know. It matters to those around you, and it matters to your future health. According to the National Institute on Aging, hearing loss can have a significant impact on seniors in several ways:
Communication
It is hard to communicate with others when you cannot hear them well. Carrying on a conversation can become frustrating to you and the other person, and it may become easier to withdraw rather than work so hard. That can lead to misunderstandings and conflict in your relationships. Or it may seem like you just do not care. All of this leads to isolation from the people you care about most, and that decreases your quality of life.
Cognitive decline
Growing evidence suggests that hearing loss may be linked to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia. Experts believe this is because of the additional effort it takes to process sounds and understand speech when hearing is impaired.
Physical and emotional health
Hearing loss can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and depression, and may also be linked to an increased risk of falls and other accidents.
Less independence
Seniors with hearing loss may struggle to drive a car safely, go to social events, use a phone, or any number of daily activities that require hearing. Not being able to do these things can cause depression and anxiety because it makes you dependent on others.
When considering hearing aids, the first step is to have a hearing evaluation performed by a qualified audiologist or hearing healthcare professional. This will determine the severity and type of hearing loss you have. That will guide your choice of appropriate hearing aids for you. It is important to choose the right type for your specific needs, and there are several available, including these:
Behind-The-Ear (BTE) is the most common style. They are available in standard or mini, but rest assured, they are not the bulky beige aids of former generations. They are bigger than other styles, but that is an advantage when it comes to longer battery life, greater durability, and more features.
In-The-Ear (ITE) is custom-fitted and sits in the outer portion of your ear. This one is larger than other custom styles, but that enables longer battery life, and controls volume and memory. These may pick up more wind noise than others.
In-The-Canal styles come in three options — with the receiver in the ear canal, with a small portion in the outer ear, and completely in the canal with only a removal handle showing outside of the canal. These are less visible and are custom fit to your ear. The small size may mean problems with dexterity, shorter battery life, and no manual volume or memory controls.
Invisible (IIC)otolaryngologist hearing aids rest in the second bend of the ear canal so no one can see them. They are the smallest hearing aid made. These have the same restrictions as the In-The-Canal styles, but hey — nobody knows they are there!
Many healthcare professionals offer trial periods for hearing aids, which can allow you to try out different models and features before making a final decision. This helps ensure that you are selecting the right hearing aids for you.
The cost of hearing aids can seem daunting, but there are resources to help. Prices typically range from $1000 to $8000 for a pair, and hearing aids are not covered by Medicare or most insurance plans. It is worth your while to shop around before buying.
Two sources of assistance with hearing aids are Washington State Health Care Authority, which began covering hearing aids in 2019, and the Veterans Administration.
If you do not qualify for either of those, consider joining Consumer Reports which claims that members typically spent $2,680 out-of-pocket for hearing aids.
In addition to member advantages, an extensive survey by CR ranked Costco as the most popular place to purchase hearing aids. Not only does Costco provide a free hearing test, but it also tops the list for overall satisfaction, price transparency, and price plan options.
Phillips, Oticon, and Phonak brands were only three points behind Costco in customer overall satisfaction. The CR chart rating hearing aids is worth looking at, as well as the Forbes Health list of the “Best Hearing Aids of 2023.”
The bottom line is, if your hearing loss is mild to moderate, hearing aids will cost less, and you may even be able to purchase an over-the-counter pair. For those with more profound hearing loss, the price is higher.
But what exactly is the cost of not hearing well? Is it worth saving the money when you cannot have a conversation with your loved ones? When you no longer hear birds singing in the morning or your grandchild laughing with glee?
At CRISTA Senior Living in Shoreline and Silverdale, WA, we want you to live your best life! We are here to help you navigate hearing loss and hearing aids, as well as other aging issues, to make that happen. Visit our website or give us a call at (206)210-1405 to schedule a tour today.
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