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- Written by 50plus LIFE 50plus LIFE
Millions of American adults could benefit from using hearing aids. Yet, fewer than 1 in 3 adults over 60 with hearing loss uses them.
To help understand why this gap exists, SeniorLiving.org analyzed a study of Americans aged 55 or older as well as data from the National Health Interview Survey to get a sense of current attitudes about and usage of hearing aids.
The study (seniorliving.org/hearing/hearing-aid-study) revealed a number of barriers that stop people with hearing loss from purchasing hearing aids, including cost, comfort, and appearance.
Luckily, technological advances and shifts in political ideologies are paving the way toward more accessible hearing aids.
Key Findings
- 13% of the entire U.S. adult population experiences at least some hearing difficulty.
- Currently, 6.9 million people aged 60 or older use hearing aids, but an additional 17 million seniors with hearing difficulties do not use them.
- Older adults who have hearing loss but don’t use hearing aids are twice as likely to report frequent symptoms of depression as those who use the devices.
- 26% of people with hearing difficulties say they don’t use hearing aids because they’re too expensive.
- More than half of hearing aid wearers plan to upgrade one or both of their hearing devices in the next year.
Current State of Hearing Loss
According to the analysis, about 34% of all adults over 60 in the U.S. have some trouble hearing. People ages 60-69 were most likely to report hearing loss.
Men and women experience hearing loss at different rates. According to NHIS data, 41% of men and 27% of women over 60 experience hearing loss.
It’s not entirely clear why men experience higher rates of hearing loss than women, but some experts believe it’s because men are more likely to work in loud environments or to smoke, which can impact hearing.
The number of people experiencing hearing loss is likely much higher, as hearing loss is underrecognized and undertreated.
Hearing Aid Usage
Overall, 7.5 million people aged 60 or older use hearing aids, according to the NHIS. As Americans age, the rate of hearing aid usage increases.
|
Age |
Uses hearing aid |
No hearing aid |
|
19-29 |
7% |
93% |
|
30-39 |
3% |
97% |
|
40-49 |
5% |
95% |
|
50-59 |
10% |
90% |
|
60-69 |
18% |
82% |
|
70-79 |
30% |
70% |
|
80 or older |
42% |
58% |
It’s possible that some people with hearing difficulties are turning to other options to improve their hearing. Many of the people surveyed are employing other devices and technologies to listen to the world around them.
|
Do you use any of the following devices to aid in hearing? |
|
|
Closed captions or subtitles |
29% |
|
Wireless headphones |
19% |
|
Bluetooth adapter |
9% |
|
Amplified telephone |
5% |
|
Remote microphone |
5% |
|
Captioned telephone |
3% |
|
Visual or tactile alert system |
2% |
|
Pocket Talker |
2% |
|
Other |
2% |
|
None |
55% |
Hearing Aid Effectiveness and Technology
Hearing aid technology has come a long way since its inception. Even the most basic hearing aid models today perform better than the highest-quality hearing aids of previous years. Nearly 3 in 4 people in the study using hearing aids felt satisfied with their performance.
Hearing aid technology is continuing to evolve to benefit users. Modern-day hearing aids are becoming increasingly automated, helping users navigate conversations and hear better in difficult listening situations.
While many hearing aids in the past were large and bulky, many of today’s models are smaller and sleeker than ever and include Bluetooth compatibility, remote support, and remote microphone technology
Why Do People Forego Hearing Aids?
When surveyed people with hearing loss were asked why they were not using hearing aids, cost remained a barrier for many.
|
Why don’t you use hearing aids? |
|
|
I can manage without one |
70% |
|
I have not been prescribed one by a doctor/audiologist |
42% |
|
Too expensive |
26% |
|
I just don’t want one |
18% |
|
My doctor deemed it unnecessary |
10% |
|
I have other technology to assist me |
3% |
|
I find them uncomfortable |
3% |
Hearing aid costs vary widely, ranging from $1,000 to upwards of $5,000. Typically, a set of hearing aids falls somewhere in the middle. However, there are often additional costs when purchasing hearing aids, including the price of hearing tests and hearing aid fittings.
One of the biggest reasons people with hearing difficulties choose to go without hearing aids is inaccessibility. Not only can hearing aids themselves be costly, but the sheer task of hearing tests and fittings may be enough to deter some people.
Insurance for Hearing Aids
Despite millions of Americans experiencing hearing loss, most insurance policies do not cover the cost of hearing aids or examinations and fittings.
If healthcare plans include hearing benefits, they are often limited, covering only a portion of hearing aid costs. In some cases, insurance plans may offer discounted hearing aids from specified healthcare providers, but this is far from enough coverage for some.
While the standard Medicare plan has some hearing benefits, it does not cover hearing aids or hearing tests. However, the Medicare Advantage Plans offer optional coverage for hearing aids at an additional cost. The plan typically covers the hearing aids themselves, as well as the cost of examinations and fittings.
Hearing aid accessibility has been heavily criticized in recent years, leading to a push toward making over-the-counter hearing aids more widely available.
Impact of Hearing Aids on Quality of Life
Due to the stigma surrounding hearing loss and the high cost of hearing aids, hearing difficulty is underdiagnosed and undertreated. Although many may feel they can function well enough without hearing aids, hearing loss may be affecting their quality of life.
According to this analysis of NHIS data, people over 60 who have significant difficulty hearing but do not use hearing aids are two times more likely to report feeling depressed daily or weekly than those with poor hearing who use hearing aids.
As the population of people over 65 grows in the next 10 years, so will the number of people shopping for hearing aids. Luckily, some of the barriers to acquiring hearing aids appear to be coming down.