Hearing aids are effective helpers for millions of people with hearing loss. These small medical devices do important work. They correct hearing, helping people to hear and understand outside sounds and the voices of others. In such a way, the person can interact with the world and society and perform everyday tasks without any problems.
Hearing loss changes a person’s life before and after. It is a serious disorder. It greatly affects the quality of life. But hearing aids correct the situation and bring a person back to a happy life! Surprisingly, many people today do not use these medical devices. What could be the reason? Is it possible to change the situation? Sometimes wearing medical devices is the only way to help people with hearing loss. Let’s consider it in more detail!
A few words about modern hearing aids
Modern hearing aids are powerful electronic devices with the following features:
- Advanced digital technology
- Stylish design
- New engineering solutions (e.g. using AI)
- Small size
The latest models from leading manufacturers are very different from older devices. The first hearing aids were bulky, uncomfortable, and not very effective. Today, things are different. Regardless of the cost, they all deliver excellent sound. The size of hearing aids has also changed. Today, they are compact devices and can easily accentuate your style. There are also very small models (in-the-canal) completely hidden in the user’s ear. It is a great option for active people who love sports and exercise!
So a hearing aid is no longer just a medical device. It (like a smartphone or headphones) fits perfectly into your lifestyle. The key is to choose the right model and adjust it after purchase. You’ll find hundreds of models from well-known manufacturers in the hearing aid store. To avoid confusion and get the best results, don’t buy hearing aids on your own. It is a complicated process. it requires both knowledge and medical equipment. Visit a hearing care professional right away.
Some manufacturers are trying to differentiate themselves from the competition. They offer medical devices with new features and extras to provide a fresh experience.
The main reasons for not using hearing aids
Do people continue to ignore audiologists’ recommendations? Unfortunately, yes! Doctors conducted a study to understand why people are reluctant to wear medical devices. The results showed three main reasons why Americans refuse to wear hearing aids. They are all psychological!
Ageism
The stereotype that hearing aids are a sign of old age is a prime example of ageism. In fact, the need for hearing aids can occur at any age. Yes, the neurosensory type of hearing loss is predominantly found in people over 60, which leads immediately to a double negation law: first, because of their natural physiological aging, and second, cause of hearing loss as one of its signs. The cult of macho only exacerbates the problem.
There is another wrong stereotype. Many middle-aged and elderly think of a hearing aid as a bulky, constantly hissing and whistling device. But today’s digital hearing aids have very little in common with the old analog models!
Inner perception
Internal perception is how we form our image in our minds. Some Americans do not like to associate themselves with hearing aid. They associate hearing aids with sickness, infirmity, and poor health. By perceiving the image of themselves wearing hearing aids as something unattractive, the hearing-impaired person becomes ashamed of their condition. It leads to denial of their hearing loss. How long can this go on? It can last until the problem becomes obvious to others, which may take some time
External perception
Vanity is the external perception of ourselves, the worry about how we look in the eyes of others. Many people feel that a hearing aid diminishes their outward attractiveness, which makes ITC hearing aids so popular. They are tiny devices that fit entirely in the ear canal. It makes them invisible to others. This is the wrong approach to hearing care. The type and model of hearing aid depend primarily on your physiological needs. The primary consideration is which hearing aid will be more effective for your hearing. And the size of the device itself is secondary.
How are attitudes toward hearing aids changing?
Despite psychological difficulties, young patients are increasingly saying yes to hearing aids. Audiologists note that the number of patients who refuse medical devices is gradually decreasing. The situation is changing due to increasing levels of education, the popularity of wireless headphones, and other modern technology. Today, having a gadget in your ears is no longer a sign of old age. Yesterday’s false shame transformed into purposefulness, ageism into adaptability, and vanity into objective self-esteem.
The sense of false shame and victim syndrome, which used to be characteristic of hearing-impaired people, gradually disappeared. Determination and motivation have taken the place of false shame. Wearing a hearing aid does not affect one’s self-esteem at all. It is just a tool to achieve one’s goals.
What about ageism? Age is just a number. Nevertheless, the older we get, the more attention we need to pay to our health, including our hearing. The hearing industry has advanced significantly in recent years with new technology. Older people who have adapted more quickly to modern technology and are actively using digital hearing aids feel much younger.
Finding a reason for not wanting to wear hearing aids today is much more difficult than it used to be. Do you or your loved one have hearing loss? Don’t be afraid of hearing aid treatment and correction! Give up old myths and stereotypes. Say yes to new technologies and healthy hearing! You’ll get only positive experiences and emotions! And most importantly, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite sounds and voices!