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The realization that you can no longer hear properly is difficult for any person to accept. Unfortunately, many people continue living without hearing aids and struggle through their daily lives rather than accepting their new reality.
In fact, only 30 percent of adults 70 years and older who could benefit from hearing aids use them. For younger adults between 20 and 69 years old, only 16 percent of those that could benefit from hearing aids use them.
It can be difficult to watch a family member struggle with hearing loss denial, knowing that hearing aids could help them. If you have a loved one that refuses to try hearing aids, consider using these approaches to convince them to see an audiologist.
One of the first objections to wearing hearing aids is the cost. A quality hearing aid usually costs over $2,000, though it’s a small investment for recuperating hearing abilities. In fact, those with hearing loss that don’t use hearing aids make about $20,000 less annually than those that have hearing loss and do use hearing aids.
There are also many payment options available. Medicaid is required to cover hearing aid costs for children and will also cover hearing aids for seniors that qualify. Some private insurance also covers part of the hearing aid cost.
If your insurance doesn't cover anything, many hearing clinics accept payment plans that make hearing aids affordable.
Another great way to learn how you can reframe a loved one's mindset about hearing aids is by reaching out to other friends that have hearing aids.
Most people that finally use hearing aids are quite satisfied with them. A recent study of French citizens showed that 82 percent were satisfied with their hearing aids, suggesting that modern hearing aids are both effective and comfortable.
Therefore, having someone that has experienced hearing loss and found renewed freedom in hearing aids is a wonderful resource for your loved one.
This person can also teach you how your loved one feels right now and give you the tools to answer objections.
For example, ask them how hearing aids improved their emotional wellbeing and social health. They may also be able to tell you how they wished friends approached them when pitching hearing aids and how they would have done it differently.
Hearing aids have improved dramatically in recent years. Hearing aids of previous eras were much bulkier than the current technology available.
Show your loved one the new hearing aids that are now nearly invisible. In fact, hearing aids like the Lyric are completely invisible.
You can also show your loved one that they can do most of the hearing aid online fitting now. Improvements in telehealth have enabled audiologists to adjust hearing aids from the comfort of your home through remote apps. In fact, in response to COVID-19, brands like Phonak now offer fully remote hearing aid fittings.
If your loved one is intimidated by technology, offer to walk them through the virtual appointments.
Before talking to your loved one about trying hearing aids, be sure to educate yourself on the topic first. This will help you provide answers to objections and strengthen your case.
Show them that hearing aids are proven to delay cognitive decline. A study done by the University of Maryland shows that hearing aids help with brain function and memory.
Another study showed that wives that experience hearing loss are likely to spread depressive symptoms to their husbands, suggesting that hearing aids may increase the quality of a marriage.
Other studies show that hearing aids can decrease a person's risk of dementia.
Speak with your loved one objectively and understand the full benefits of hearing aids before having a conversation.