Why do people who need hearing aids wait so long to get them?

The average wait time is seven years. During those seven years things happen that make adapting to a hearing aid much more difficult. As we age our dexterity (ability to handle small objects like hearing aids and batteries) gets worse. If one were to get hearing aids while they have good dexterity they will handle the aids easier as time goes on.

Our brain slows down and we have a harder time hearing who we want to in a crowd. If we wait to get hearing aids it becomes more difficult to learn to hear with one. Adaptation becomes a change and the older we get the more we don't like change. When we don't hear well the world becomes quieter. After years of quiet it is tough to try to hear with amplification because noises of the world (which have always been there) seem louder than ever because the hearing impaired person was used to their quiet world.

It is hard for people to reconnect and be welcomed back to the world of sound after living in quiet for a long time. Over time the hearing impaired person may speak very loudly and have the habit of saying, "Huh or What" all the time. It takes time for someone to get used to amplification and the longer the wait the more difficult it becomes.

There are many reasons why a person will neglect to help themselves hear well. I can think of three main reasons, although there are many more.

1.) Denial - Everybody mumbles. They don't teach young people to enunciate anymore. I hear what I want to hear just fine. It is your problem not mine. I have heard them all! Usually a hearing evaluation will prove to the patient that the hearing loss is real so that they can take ownership of the hearing problem.

2.) Cost - Nobody WANTS hearing aids it is a NEED. Purchasing hearing aids is not like buying a new car or a new motorcycle but it is usually more important. Being able to hear and communicate with our friends and family is priceless. Having the latest color of car is cool but not if nobody wants to go for a ride with you because you can't hear.

3.) Vanity - This fear that if someone sees a hearing aid on you they will think you are old. Hearing loss can effect any age. Babies can need hearing aids. Aids are so much smaller now. We even have invisible ones. Aids now come in many colors so they can blend in with your hair and become very discreet. No one that has ever come into my office was going to compete in a beauty contest. I promise that even with a hearing aid you will be just as handsome or beautiful as you were before and now you will be able to hear! Hearing well is attractive on everyone.

If you are curious as to whether you have hearing loss or wax in your ears please come see us.

Dr. Tia Flynn is a certified audiologist and has been in business for more than 12 years. Every Tuesday morning from 9 a.m. to noon, Dr. Flynn provides free hearing screenings at 1601 Third St. in Coeur d'Alene. Information: (208) 664-2767