Hearing Aids, Not Just For Your Grandparents
There is a stigma about wearing hearing aids. An estimated 31 million in the U.S. have hearing loss, but only about 10 percent wear hearing aids. The reason is partly cosmetic – people think they look bad – and partly the cost, prices for a set of hearing aids (for both ears) range from $2,700 to $6,000, depending on the level of technology and the biggest reason for not using hearing aids is the technology. Until a few years ago, the technology was just not that good.
However, hearing aide technology has improved greatly over the last few years. Hearing aids now have digitized programming with smaller computer chips and directional microphones that can distinguish between human voices and background noise. People can now be treated with profound hearing loss with a more powerful, smaller device that can be programmed and adjusted for specific tones. Some hearing aids can be adapted to Bluetooth or other wireless devices, and many have remote controls so users can adjust the devices themselves.
While baby boomers are the largest market segment for hearing aids, hearing loss is not just an aging problem. Target practice with guns, using a lawn mower or weed-eater, driving a loud car or truck and blaring music, all can contribute to hearing loss if the ears are continually exposed.
Hearing is a brain function and the brain will want to focus on the ear with the hearing aid, which will hear better. Over time, the other ear, if not at a comparable hearing level with the assisted ear, may experience hearing loss because of neglect by the brain.
People of all ages should educate themselves about options for maintaining a good quality of life through better hearing. Residents of Arizona have access to one of the countries most cutting edge chain of hearing centers. Phoenix hearing aids and Scottsdale hearing aids can be obtained at Purtone Hearing Centers in Arizona. With a total of eight locations around Arizona, your hearing needs can be accommodated no matter where you live in Arizona.
Maintaining healthy hearing is no accident. Do not neglect the health of your hearing no matter what your age.
This entry was posted on Friday, July 24th, 2009 at 5:05 am and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.