Do as I say and not as I do?

When someone is doing something that they know is wrong, they usually utter, “do as I say and not as I do” to whomever they are trying to justify their behavior to. A recent study conducted by Hear the Word, an organization created to raise awareness of hearing-related issues globally, found that hearing aids were coupled with “old age” more than any other accessory included in the survey. These other accessories were wheelchairs, glasses, crutches and canes for the blind.

Interestingly, 93% of people surveyed claimed they would wear a hearing aid if needed, however, previous research shows that people who have a hearing loss do not wearing hearing aids. The survey also found that one of the top three reasons for not wearing hearing aids is the person does not want to admit having a hearing loss.

With all of the amazing advancements in hearing aid technology, hearing aids are smaller and better then ever before. But the stigma that hearing aids are for “old people” is keeping many of the 700 million people worldwide living with hearing loss form getting the help they need. It has been proven over and over again that when hearing loss is left untreated, it can lead to feelings of frustration and isolation, reduced earning power and disruptions in family life among other things.

So essentially, this study is shows how the mentality of hearing aids being for “old people” is hurting the quality of life for people with hearing loss.