Reluctance to “grow old” barrier to hearing aids

Reluctance to “grow old” one of the ba rriers to hearing impaired seeking help

A new review of research into hearing impairment from the last 30 years shows several common barriers to hearing impaired individuals seeking a hearing aid.

Common barriers identified in the research included: • perceived negative perceptions about hearing aids, including the appearance of the devices and an association between hearing impairment and ‘growing old’ • a reliance on improvised coping strategies such as using the television, radio or phone’s top volume setting and asking people to repeat themselves • a lack of understanding about how hearing loss was affecting them and those around them • practical issues such as making time to see a specialist and financial concerns.

A senior audiologist at Bay Audiology, Stephanie Mears, says those with impairments wait an average of seven years before seeking help and those that do seek help often leave it until the problem has become severe, meaning their lives have already been impacted significantly by the effects of the hearing loss.

“Hearing aid technology is improving at an extremely rapid rate meaning today’s hearing solutions are incredibly small, comfortable and natural sounding.”

“Getting help means a person is able to remain involved in all aspects of their everyday lives. Hearing aids don’t age a person – hearing better is about staying younger and being more connected with what is going on around you.”

"It's important that we get the message out that hearing loss is not just a by-product of growing older and it isn't something to be ignored."

The review also revealed which issues stemming from their hearing loss were deemed most important by the majority of hearing impaired individuals: • personal difficulties • understanding speech • difficulties with environmental sounds • difficulty watching television • difficulty conversing on the phone.

The research review was commissioned by Bay Audiology. Following the results of the review, Bay Audiology is offering free hearing tests at all of its clinics nationwide until the end of September.

Anyone interested in a free hearing test can register at www.freehearingcheck.co.nz or contact their local Bay Audiology to arrange an appointment.

ENDS

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