We’ve been working with patients for over 12 years. During that time, we’ve helped hundreds of seniors find the right hearing aids to help them regain their hearing and rejoin the world around them. Many of those seniors return to our offices to tell us that initially they’d delayed getting their hearing aids, but now that they have them, they wished they got them sooner. They didn’t realize how much they’d been missing out on until they started wearing their hearing aids.

So why do so many seniors delay finding a solution to their hearing loss issues? These are the most common reasons that we hear…and why these reasons shouldn’t hold you back.

WHY DID YOU DELAY GETTING YOUR HEARING AIDS?“

I didn’t realize my hearing was so bad.”

This is a really common reason! A lot of hearing loss happens so gradually that the person may not realize that they are turning up the television louder or asking people to repeat themselves more often. Chances are, though, that their friends and loved ones have noticed. It’s important to listen to those around you if they want to discuss potential hearing loss with you and think that it might be time for you to explore your options. Even if you don’t believe them, you can come in to get a hearing test in our Calgary office and see the results for yourself. You might discover that you were right and there isn’t anything wrong with your hearing. Or you may find that it’s time for hearing aids.

Why this shouldn’t hold you back:

The longer you wait to get hearing aids, the worse your hearing is going to get. During that time, you might miss out on a lot of what’s happening around you, including dialogue on your favorite television shows or in conversations with family and friends. Getting checked regularly can help you discover and correct any hearing loss that you might be experiencing so you don’t miss out on life.

“I thought they’d be more expensive.”

Watching your budget is always important, but maybe no more so than when you are on a fixed income as a senior. You need to ensure your money goes as far as possible and are likely to put off big expenses if you can avoid them. All too often, though, that means avoiding hearing aids. A lot of seniors are concerned about the cost of a good set of hearing aids and instead turn to cheap solutions they see in the big box stores or on television. Unfortunately, these solutions can make hearing loss worse and may not actually do anything to correct the problem.

Why this shouldn’t hold you back:

Hearing aids are often much more affordable than you think. There are so many different types of hearing aids out there that there is surely a solution that fits your budget. You should be open and honest with your audiologist about your budget so he or she can help you stay in a comfortable price range. Additionally, there are a number of programs that can help defray the costs significantly or may pay for them in their entirety. Your audiologist will be able to point you in the right direction.

“I was embarrassed to wear them.”

Hearing aids have come a long way in the last couple decades. Wearers are no longer stuck with a giant receiver coming out of their ear, making it apparent to anyone who looks at them that they are hard of hearing. Those cumbersome, uncomfortable devices that used to be the norm are still making some people wary of hearing aids. They worry that wearing a hearing aid will make them look or feel old, and that’s the last thing any of us want.

Why this shouldn’t hold you back:

A lot of hearing aid options are virtually invisible! It would be difficult for someone to know that you are wearing a device unless they were staring directly into your ear canal. The technology in hearing aids continues to advance, too, so devices are getting smaller all of the time without sacrificing their quality or clarity. It’s worth exploring your options before you assume you’ll have to wear a giant device for everyone to see.

“I thought they’d be complicated to use.”

You probably have enough devices in your home. Maybe you hate the thought of adding another one. A lot of patients tell us that they thought wearing and caring for their hearing aids would be a lot harder than it is. They worried about positioning them correctly, changing the batteries, and keeping them clean. It might feel like a lot of work for something you aren’t even sure that you need.

Why this shouldn’t hold you back:

Hearing aids are actually incredibly easy to use and maintain. Our audiologist can show you how to properly insert them on your own, how to care for them, and how to change the batteries when needed. Plus, our team is here to help whenever you need assistance, so you can stop by and we’ll answer your questions or help you with any maintenance or repairs.

“I didn’t want to admit that I needed them.”

We understand. Getting older isn’t always fun, and admitting that you need hearing aids can feel like you are admitting that you are now officially old. But the truth is people of all ages need hearing aids. We work with seniors as well as children, teens, and young adults who require hearing aids. Hearing loss isn’t about how old you are; it’s about losing the quality of life.

Why this shouldn’t hold you back:

Admitting that you need hearing aids can change your life. Hearing loss can lead to isolation, depression, and even accelerate the development of dementia. Getting the hearing aids that you need can help you rejoin the world around you and improve your quality of life! Taking the first step and admitting that you need hearing aids can be the hardest part; we’ll be there to walk you through everything that comes after making your first appointment.

Are you ready to start hearing clearly again? You can make an appointment for a hearing test in our Calgary office and take those first steps towards better hearing. Our team has worked with hundreds of seniors in the last 12 years, helping them find the right type of hearing aid that works best for them. We’re ready to do that for you, too. Get in touch with us to schedule an appointment by giving us a call or contacting us through our website today.