Julie Raney is a certified and licensed audiologist. She has a B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Master’s Degree in Audiology from Idaho State University. She has worked as a clinical audiologist in Colorado since 2005. She specializes in hearing amplification for adults and delivers her services in both English and Sign Language.

Making the Initial Investment

Why do two thirds of people avoid treating their hearing loss? Many people shy away from making the initial investment in quality hearing devices. Medicare doesn’t offer coverage for hearing devices, and the initial investment for hearing devices can seem quite high. You might think you can get by without hearing aids for a few more years, or that your hearing loss isn’t really affecting your life.

The Cost of Hearing Loss

While not buying hearing aids might seem cheaper at first, living with untreated hearing loss leads to, on average, $9,100 in health care costs per person per year! Those who choose to live with their hearing loss risk an increased number of trips, slips, falls, and accidents. They’re less likely to hear warning bells or shouts, and are hospitalized far more than their hearing peers.

Choosing to save your money rather than your hearing will end up costing you more than you realize. Living with untreated hearing loss affects not only your physical health, but your mental health as well. Those with untreated hearing loss have difficulty focusing on tasks, or completing assignments. They face rapid cognitive decline, and often live with anxiety, social isolation, and even depression. When you can’t hear clearly, communication suffers, and those with hearing loss sometimes lose the relationships they value the most.

Over the Counter Hearing Aids

With the recent surge in over the counter hearing aids that have been made available to the public, many people are purchasing these devices and hoping they’ll be able to hear clearly. Sadly, over the counter hearing aids often don’t fit appropriately, since they weren’t made to fit your unique ear. This can lead to whistling or feedback, and make it difficult to hear. The programs and settings these hearing aids are also not calibrated to your exact hearing needs, and they could be over or under amplifying certain sounds, making it harder to hear.

If you’ve tried over the counter hearing aids and haven’t been happy, you’ll shy away from treating hearing loss with quality devices, and you’ll be worried that nothing will help you hear clearly.

The Stigma of Hearing Loss

People often shy away from talking about or treating their hearing loss due to the negative stigma that surrounds hearing loss. If you have vision problems, you’ll immediately go to an optometrist, and pick out a great frame to show off. Sadly, people view hearing loss very differently, and many are worried that admitting to their hearing loss might make them seem old.

Hearing loss affects people of all ages, and a quality pair of hearing aids will keep you young at heart, and help you stay active and mobile. You’ll be able to engage in interesting conversations, and keep up with the grandchildren. In fact, treating your hearing loss will make you seem as young as you feel.

New Leaf Hearing Clinic

At New Leaf Hearing Clinic, we understand your concerns. Treating hearing loss can be nerve-racking, but our team of hearing health specialists will be with you every step of the way. A comprehensive hearing test will show us just what sounds you can and can’t hear, and you can study the audiogram to learn more about your unique hearing needs. We have a wide selection of hearing devices from the world’s top manufacturers, and we’ll work together to find the style and device that will perfectly match your lifestyle and hearing needs. Don’t shy away from treating your hearing loss, but visit us today at New Leaf Hearing Clinic to do the right thing for your hearing health.