{"id":2463,"date":"2021-10-21T20:59:17","date_gmt":"2021-10-22T03:59:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sandiegoent.com\/?p=2463"},"modified":"2021-10-21T20:59:20","modified_gmt":"2021-10-22T03:59:20","slug":"why-people-put-off-getting-hearing-aids-and-why-they-shouldnt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sandiegoent.com\/why-people-put-off-getting-hearing-aids-and-why-they-shouldnt\/","title":{"rendered":"Why People Put Off Getting Hearing Aids and Why They Shouldn\u2019t"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It\u2019s easy to put things off, even when it comes to something as important as our health. We delay scheduling dentist appointments and annual physicals. Many people experiencing hearing loss do the same when it comes to getting hearing aids<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many reasons why people hesitate to address their hearing health. Let\u2019s examine some of them in further detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stigma Surrounding Hearing Aids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Some people with hearing loss worry that hearing aids will make them look old or as though they are not as capable as they once were without them. A study<\/a> in 2009 interviewed participants who were experiencing hearing loss, but not using hearing aids. It found that perceived stigma and fear of ageism influenced their decision to not wear hearing aids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In actuality, there are many different styles of hearing aids available. They are small, discrete and some models are Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) which are virtually invisible to other people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hearing Loss Can Be Gradual<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Often times hearing loss<\/a> starts out so gradually that people don\u2019t even notice it. This is especially true in age-related hearing loss. Even though someone might be at a place where they could benefit from hearing aids, their hearing loss has not gotten severe enough for them to think help is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minimizing the Problem<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Other times people do notice that they are struggling to hear, but don\u2019t consider it to be a problem. They might write it off as a natural part of the aging process, or assume their surroundings are what is causing the problem. They may think that the restaurant was too loud, or their friend was speaking too quietly. This is especially easy to do when there are still situations when they feel as though they can hear just fine. However, just because a person isn\u2019t experiencing hearing loss in every situation, does not mean that it isn\u2019t impacting their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Facts on Hearing Loss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Regardless of the reason why a person procrastinates on getting hearing aids the numbers are clear. Only a fraction of people experiencing hearing loss are seeking proper treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some quick stats on hearing loss<\/a>, courtesy of the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders:<\/p>\n\n\n\n