There are plenty of products on the market that are overpriced and needlessly expensive. Hearing aids are not one of them, even though their sticker price may shock you are first. Below is a breakdown of why experts believe hearing aids make financial sense and are well worth the initial investment.
The Dangers of Cheaper Models
The traditional process of getting a hearing aid involves working with an audiologist. They will complete a series of tests to determine your exact type and degree of hearing loss. This information will then be used to recommend a hearing aid; your audiologist will also take your listening lifestyle, aesthetic preferences and budget into account. Hearing aids selected to fit your unique needs from a reputable manufacture can cost a few thousand dollars.
This number may seem like a lot, especially if you have searched for hearing aids online. Some of the top results include devices that don’t require medical oversight and cost a fraction of the price.
These devices are not hearing aids. Instead, they are personal sound amplification devices, known as PSAPs. Instead of discriminating speech from sound and adjusting the volume through individualized programming based on your exact degree of hearing loss, they amplify everything. This means, not only will people’s voices be louder, but so will the unwanted background noise.
Over-the-counter and direct-to-consumer devices are cheaply made. They will quickly run through batteries, some even requiring replacements more than once a day. This cost can add up.
Hearing aids purchased through your audiologist contain advanced technology and some are even rechargeable, which eliminates the need to purchase batteries at all.
Monetary Compensation
A 2013 study found that adults with untreated hearing loss made up to 25 percent less money and were more likely to be without a job than those with normal hearing.
While a lot of factors go into this statistic, experts believe it is because of the importance of communication. Being able to listen to customers and problem solve with coworkers is crucial. If you cannot participate in the conversation, it is likely you are not performing as well as you could be.
In addition, struggling to hear for eight or more hours a day can take a physical and emotional toll. You are more likely to develop stress and anxiety, which can impact your immune system, ability to sleep, relationships and even your overall quality of life.
The Importance of Safety
Being able to hear well can keep you safe. This includes hearing oncoming traffic, public warning systems and smoke alarms. Untreated hearing loss has even been linked to an increase in falls.
Good hearing can help eliminate expensive trips to the doctor’s office or emergency room.
To learn more about the benefits of hearing aids or to schedule an appointment to get started on your journey toward better hearing, contact the experts at Valley Audiology today.
