If you’re short on time but looking for some fast facts about hearing aids, this is the blog for you! Read on to discover more about the prevalence of hearing loss, technology options available, and tips to consider.
1. 1 in 10 Americans
Hearing loss affects every age and demographic, with more than 38 million Americans experiencing hearing difficulty. Nearly 40% report using hearing aids or cochlear implants for their hearing loss.1 There are many reasons people don’t use hearing aids, including a sense that they hear well enough, stigma about hearing loss and aging, lack of insurance, and cost.
2. Innovative Technology
Today’s technology provides clear, rich sound quality and better understanding in your daily environments, including noisy ones. Hearing aid features can include downloadable apps, rechargeability, dual microphones, and tinnitus maskers. And to further improve the experience, most hearing aids have options for Bluetooth technology to stream phone calls, music, and podcasts directly to your ears, and may include other features such as artificial intelligence, health monitors, fall detection, and more.
3. Options Abound
The overall cost of hearing aids is dependent on the type of device and professional services provided, with a broad array of options to fit individual budgets and lifestyles. Seeing a licensed hearing professional is the best first step in addressing hearing loss, as a professional can ensure there are no underlying medical conditions, test your hearing, and provide advice on treatment solutions customized to your hearing loss.
4. Overwhelming Satisfaction
Innovation, technology, and quality pays off as hearing aids tend to meet, and often exceed, expectations for hearing aid users. In fact, a survey of over 15,000 households found that 8 in 10 hearing aid owners are satisfied with their devices. And the satisfaction doesn’t stop there, with 91% of hearing aid users expressing satisfaction with their hearing professional.1
5. Check your Coverage
Your insurance plan may include hearing health benefits. Approximately 98% of Medicare Advantage enrollees have access to some type of hearing benefits.2 While original Medicare (fee-for-service) does not provide hearing aid coverage, it does provide coverage for cochlear implants for those who meet certain selection criteria. If you’re a veteran, check with the VA about available audiology and hearing aid services. And if you have private insurance, check your plan. The state you live in may even require minimum coverage for hearing health services and treatment, including hearing aids.
The Hearing Industries Association is the trusted voice on hearing health care for product innovation, public policy, patient safety and education.
