For More Information Call Us (530) 419-1256 at or visit http://hearing-aids-woodland-ca.com/

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. Avalon Hearing Aid Center, Inc.
(530) 419-1256