Is Hearing Loss affecting you or loved ones quality of life?
Exciting news there will be more choices and lower costs for Hearing Aids
After watching a segment (link at the bottom of this article) on CBS Sunday Morning I became very excited for my clients and client’s family for the future prospects in terms of hearing aids. In my meetings with seniors I find it extremely frustrating when they clearly have trouble hearing and comprehending, but refuse to get a hearing aid. It is such a burden on the family and has serious negative consequences for the individual.
Hearing loss or impairment can cause major health issues such as isolation, dementia and depression, and most people over 65 have some sort of age-related hearing loss. But Caregivers and family may be less aware of hearing loss because much of the time seniors hide it or we mistake it for cognitive decline.
Many seniors refuse to get a hearing aid even if they know they need one for many reasons. Many hate change and they may not comprehend what a big effect it has on their day to day living. They don’t realize the burden on the people around them. The cost is the number 1 reason people put off addressing their hearing problems. It can cost between $4,500 and $6,500 and before consumers can buy one, they generally must see a licensed professional, which requires appointments, tests and fittings. It is generally not covered by insurance which makes it one of the largest purchases for seniors.
The game-changing news is that in 2020, seniors will be allowed to buy hearing aids over the counter. This will bring the costs down by driving competition and lower the barriers to entry.
Hearing Aid manufacturers and audiologists may not like this, but I believe by increasing the quality of life of the senior by allowing them to experiment with cheaper devices will encourage them to get more help with their hearing, and drive them to these providers to get better quality devices. But as the segment informs the cheaper devices may be just as good for most
Caregivers, parents, children, and health care providers can all get excited about the fact that we may not have to yell anymore. We can now encourage seniors to get a hearing aid without breaking the bank and with a small commitment. Technology is only going to get better with companies like Apple, Bose all looking to enter the booming senior market. The following segment from CBS Sunday Morning News sums it up nicely: https://www.cbsnews.com/video/the-latest-in-hearing-aids/
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me.
Jim Winn
ComfortKeepers of Central Jersey
(732) 530-3636