Avalon Hearing Aid Center, Inc.

(530) 419-1256

Untreated Hearing Loss: The True Cost

In 1998, the National Council on Aging

conducted the largest survey ever to

determine the effects of hearing loss on older

Americans. Over 4000 hearing-impaired

people (both users and non-users of hearing

instruments) and their families were

surveyed. Untreated hearing loss has serious emotional and

social consequences for people, according to the National Council

on Aging.

This study determined the affects of hearing loss on people’s

lives. It also included the attitudes and perceptions of family

members. It compared the affects of untreated hearing loss

(those who do not wear hearing aids) to treated hearing loss

(those wearing hearing aids).

The results of this survey are summarized below:

Cost of Untreated Hearing Loss

People with untreated hearing loss reported:

� Less likely to participate in organized social activities

� More likely to feel worried and anxious

� Greater tendency to feel insecure, irritable, or tense

� More stressful relationships with family

� A perception that “other people get angry at me for no

reason”

� Increased levels of paranoia

� Social isolation

Avalon Hearing Aid Center, Inc.

(530) 419-1256

In summary, the quality of their lives was compromised

significantly by not getting help for their hearing loss. I find it sad

and ironic that at a time in one’s life when things should be

getting easier, people with untreated hearing loss and their family

members actually end up struggling more. But it does not have

to be this way.

People who had been fitted with hearing aids were shown to have

better relationships with their families, better feelings about

themselves, improved mental health and greater independence

and security.

Benefits of Treatment

Seniors (ages 50 and older) who sought help for their hearing

loss and had been properly fitted with hearing instruments

reported better relationships at home with much less struggle.

They also reported improved feelings about themselves and a

sense of independence in their social life. And an unexpected

benefit was a better sex life!

Relations with children and grandchildren also improved. Overall,

people with properly fit hearing aids they viewed life in a more

positive way. The families of hearing aid users also reported

these improvements, but even more so than the hearing aid

users themselves.

Barriers to Hearing Aid Use

So why do so many older hearing-impaired Americans not use

hearing aids? About half of the non-users cited cost as a

deterrent. Maybe, they didn’t realize for $3.00 per day, one’s

entire life could change for the better.

Avalon Hearing Aid Center, Inc.

(530) 419-1256

That’s what an advanced set of hearing aids cost over a five-year

period. If they only knew that the true cost of untreated hearing

loss is so much greater than the long-term, financial investment

of hearing aids.

Denial is the most important barrier to hearing aid use. Most

hearing-impaired people not using hearing aids think they don’t

need them or can get by without them. More than two-thirds of

the non-users surveyed said, “My hearing is not bad enough” or

“I can get along without one.”

It’s sad that millions of older people let denial get in the way of

treatments that could improve the quality of their lives. Denial is

complex and it takes time to work through it. It’s a natural,

human reaction to gradual hearing loss. But it doesn’t have to go

on for years and years.

Get On With Your Life

If you are coming to terms with a hearing loss, it is time for you

to confront yourself. Get support from your family. They noticed

long ago how much you struggle.

Remember, no one is to blame. Take action and get the help you

need. The good news is when people do seek help for their

hearing loss, self esteem and confidence are quickly restored.

Who knows, maybe your sex life could also improve!

For More Information Call Us (530) 419-1256 at

or visit http://hearing-aids-woodland-ca.com/

Avalon Hearing Aid Center, Inc.

(530) 419-1256