Hearing loss affects millions of people across the globe. Many treatments are available to help people deal with this issue with hearing aids being among the most common and effective. Unfortunately, though, quite a few hearing loss sufferers refuse to wear hearing aids. Many of them come up with some fairly silly reasons for making that decision. Take a look at five of the most common and somewhat senseless excuses people with hearing loss use to avoid hearing aids.
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1. They’re Not Stylish
Many people refuse to wear hearing aids because they feel they’re not very stylish. They’re afraid they’ll cramp their style or potentially clash with their outfits and accessories. That’s certainly not the case, though.
In fact, a hearing aids store offers models that are so small you can’t even see them. They hide out of sight within the ear. Most people don’t even notice you’re wearing them unless you point it out. Models that are visible outside the ear come in an array of colors just like eyeglasses and sunglasses, so even those aren’t necessarily out of fashion. Besides, isn’t being able to engage in conversation and hear the beautiful sounds of the world more important than accessorizing?
2. I’m Too Young for Them
Another reason people refuse to wear hearing aids is that they feel they’re too young for them. They’re afraid hearing aids will make them look or feel older than they are. In reality, even infants and toddlers can be fitted with hearing aids. As mentioned earlier, many models are virtually invisible. They don’t make people look old. In contrast, being unable to effectively participate in conversations, listen to music, or hear the television often makes people feel older than wearing hearing aids.
3. They’re Uncomfortable
Many people are afraid that hearing aids will be uncomfortable. They assume they’re heavy or even painful. Hearing aids aren’t painful, and today’s models are lightweight, small, and perfectly comfortable. Some are even customizable, so they can be tailored to the size and shape of a person’s ears. Though you may notice them a little at first, that won’t last long. They’re actually no less comfortable than earbuds or earrings.
4. I Can Manage Without Them
Denial is another reason many people avoid wearing hearing aids. They figure they’ve managed without them thus far, so they can continue along that path. They may develop strategies for dealing with hearing loss, such as reading lips or asking people to repeat themselves. They may even withdraw from the world so they don’t have to muddle through without being able to hear. None of those solutions is healthy or helpful, though. Hearing aids improve people’s hearing as well as their quality of life.
5. I Can’t Afford Hearing Aids
Cost can certainly be a concern, and some hearing aids fall on the pricier end of the spectrum. On the other hand, many models are affordable on even limited budgets. Those affordable hearing aids aren’t necessarily cheap, ineffective options, either. They offer quality, durability, effectiveness, and many other benefits. Some insurance plans cover at least part of the cost of hearing aids as well. On top of that, government assistance programs are available to help cover the cost.
Bringing Your Hearing Back Up to Par
All these lines of reasoning are certainly understandable on the surface. Still, when compared to the benefits of being able to hear clearly, they seem a bit silly. Hearing aids aren’t passe or uncomfortable. No one is too young for these miraculous devices, and though people have been known to manage without them, hearing aids make life much simpler and more enjoyable. At the same time, hearing aids are available in numerous price ranges, and financial assistance may be available. That means they’re not really out of reach for anyone.
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