The team at Jacobs Audiology feels elated each time they provide excellent hearing care services to patients at the Bowie and Southern Maryland clinics.
But this is always tinged with sadness as most people wait an average of ten years before seeking the right help and support.
In the future, this is set to become a serious issue.
Due to lifestyle choices, hearing loss is on the rise in America, and by 2060, John Hopkins University predicts over 74 million people will have a condition.
As it’s Hearing Health Awareness Month, these are some of the reasons why people fail to treat their symptoms early.
Do I have a hearing loss?
Often, hearing loss takes place gradually, without you noticing. This means it’s usually close family members that are the first to recognize your symptoms.
The tell-tell signs are things like turning the TV volume up louder than normal or having trouble conversing when there’s background noise.
Normally, people will develop coping strategies unconsciously such as only speaking when they’re close to someone or guessing words and phrases.
However, a hearing loss will worsen if it’s left untreated. So it’s vital that someone displaying symptoms seeks treatment as soon as possible.
It’s not me, it’s you!
Another reason why people don’t seek treatment is they’re in denial that they have a condition.
This often relates back to historic stigma that surrounded those brave enough to ask for help in the ’60s and ’70s.
Many remember seeing their grandparents wearing ineffective, bulky devices, which changed the way people viewed them.
But today, it’s important to recognize that hearing loss is something that most people will experience in one form or another.
It’s often a sign you’ve had an exciting life, and treating your condition with a sleek, discrete device will make you appear younger – not older!
It’s too much
Another concern that puts off people from seeking treatment is that they think the level of investment required will exceed their budget.
The good news is hearing treatments haven’t just become far more technically advanced over the last few decades. They’ve also dropped in price dramatically.
Added to this, more and more insurance companies are either covering part of the cost of treatments or, in some cases, all of it.
The team at Jacobs Audiology truly cares about every patient. This means that, regardless of your budget, they’ll find an investment level that fits your requirements.
Are you concerned about a hearing loss or know someone who is? Contact the team at Jacobs Audiology and they’ll help you fast!
