By Audiologists.org
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, roughly 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from hearing aids. But according to a new survey, among adults ages 70 or older, only 30 percent have tried them. For adults ages 20 to 69, that number drops to 16 percent.
Audiologists.org surveyed 1,000 respondents to investigate the reasons for the disparity between the prevalence of hearing-related problems and hearing aid usage. Their resulting report examined health perceptions, obstacles to hearing aid adoption, generational attitudes, and sources of health information. (Audiologists.org is a network of healthcare leaders and entrepreneurs helping audiologists reach more people and improve access to hearing care.)
These findings provide essential insights into hearing loss, related perceptions, and strategies to enhance awareness and promote conversations about hearing health.
Key Takeaways
There is a need for more discussion about hearing health: 83 percent of respondents believe it should be openly discussed.
The biggest barrier is the cost of hearing aids: About 73 percent of respondents indicate that high prices are one of the main reasons for not using hearing aids. The comfort of hearing aids was also a common barrier.
Hearing loss diagnosis is underreported: Among people self-reporting hearing loss, only 14 percent are officially diagnosed.
There is a stigma associated with hearing aid use: Over a quarter (26 percent) of those surveyed believe there is at least somewhat of a stigma surrounding hearing aids. However, 45 percent said they perceived hearing aid use neutrally.
Younger generations go digital for health information: About 27 percent of younger generations get health information online, which suggests an opportunity for awareness campaigns.
The Gap in Hearing Loss Awareness
The study’s findings indicate that not only is there a gap in seeking or receiving care related to hearing health, but there is also a gap in the adoption of hearing aids, even when needed.
“The most common reasons for a patient’s first visit with [an audiologist] is either tinnitus, physician referral for hearing loss, or family encouraging someone to get evaluated due to excessive ‘what’s and turning up the TV,” says Jessica Hinson, Au.D, an Audiologist.org board member.
She explains that patients typically report difficulty hearing what their family is saying or being unable to distinguish similar words
However, many may not know that hearing damage can occur without significant symptoms. Using earbuds to listen to music while working or exercising can also cause hearing loss if the volume exceeds a safe range of decibels.
As earbuds have become a more popular and convenient way of listening to music in the last few decades, many individuals may have undiagnosed hearing loss. Also, signs of hearing loss may not be undeniably present.
Awareness of indicators of mild hearing loss—such as having difficulty understanding speech in noise or needing to turn up the volume when watching TV—could help motivate individuals to seek more information or care from an audiologist. This can help bridge the gaps found by the survey between hearing loss and diagnosis and between diagnosis and treatment with hearing aids.
In addition, Hinson says addressing a cost and stigma issue is pretty easy, as most states mandate money-back trial periods for hearing aids. “Seeing (or hearing) is believing as they say,” Hinson says.
Overall, this survey highlights the barriers those with hearing loss face when it comes to seeking helpful technology as well as how more education around hearing health is needed.
This is adapted from Audiologists.org’s full report about their survey. The Charlotte, North Carolina-based Audiologists.org is a “collective of healthcare leaders and entrepreneurs working to amplify the voice of the world’s leading audiologists and simplify the path to optimal hearing.” The group administered a 10-question, multiple-choice survey to 1,000 individuals (444 male respondents and 556 female respondents) across various age groups to collect information about the insights shared. Respondents ranged in age from 18 to 78, with nearly three quarters being in the Gen X and baby boomer generations (born 1946 to 1980). For more, see audiologists.org. (The Academy of Doctors of Audiology is at audiologist.org.)
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