Hearing aids can improve a patient’s life, but only if they wear them. Unfortunately, research shows that many people either delay getting hearing loss treatment or stop using their devices altogether: Only one in four people who could benefit from hearing aids use them.
Patients often have a specific reason for not wearing their hearing aids. Let’s take a look at a few of them, as well as how to reframe these beliefs to encourage more frequent use.
“My Hearing Isn’t That Bad”
Maybe you hear fine in quiet conversations but struggle in places with lots of background noise, like restaurants. Avoiding wearing hearing aids because you feel your hearing loss isn’t severe enough or believe you can just “get by” without them is common.
A better approach: Pay attention to the amount of listening effort you have to spend in loud places. If you’re feeling drained after social situations or avoiding certain environments, your hearing is working overtime.
What helps: Start wearing your hearing aids in situations where you notice the most strain (like dinners or meetings). You don’t have to commit to all-day use right away.
“They’re Uncomfortable”
If your hearing aids feel awkward, irritating or not quite right, you’re not imagining it. Poor fit is one of the top reasons people stop wearing hearing aids.
A better approach: Treat the discomfort as something fixable with professional help, not something you just have to put up with.
What helps: If you’ve had your hearing aids for a while, schedule an adjustment with your hearing professional to fine-tune the fit and programming. If your hearing aids are brand new, be patient and give yourself a break-in period so that your ears and brain can adjust.
“I Don’t Want Anyone to Notice I’m Wearing Them”
You might feel like hearing aids draw attention or signal that you’re aging. However, struggling to hear well and communicate with others will make you stand out even more and look older, too.
A better approach: Explore what modern hearing aids look like today. Many are small, discreet or even similar in appearance to wireless earbuds.
What helps: Consider wearing nearly invisible styles that fit deep in the ear canal. It’s also useful to think of hearing aids as a critical tool for staying connected, rather than something to hide.
“They’re Too Expensive”
Cost can feel like a major barrier to using hearing aids. While they aren’t cheap, there are ways to make hearing aids more affordable.
A better approach: Think in terms of the priceless benefits of being able to communicate with the people you love and fully engage in your favorite activities, instead of just one upfront number.
What helps: If affordability is a concern, ask your provider about payment plans, and always check with your insurance about hearing aid coverage. Also consider how often you’d use them—the daily cost-per-wear can make hearing aids an excellent long-term investment in your overall happiness and well-being.
Several barriers to wearing hearing aids are fixable with the right support and small adjustments. You don’t have to love them overnight, but when hearing aids are set up to fit your life, they can make your days a little easier and a lot more enjoyable.
Whether you’re struggling with comfort, fit or cost, it’s best to consult with an audiologist about your hearing aid concerns instead of avoiding or postponing treatment altogether. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.