The truth about hearing aids Negative images about the hearing aid industry and its instruments abound. Indeed, of America's 28 million hearing-impaired population, over 80 percent are not using hearing aids. In fact, only around six million have ever sought any kind of treatment. The reasons include a lack of testing for hearing loss, inaccurate or insufficient information, vanity, doubts about performance, financial concerns. Some choose not to wear them because they know someone else who purchased hearing instruments doesn't like them.
Most people wait too long before seeking hearing healthcare.
Fairly dramatic negative consequences of unmanaged hearing loss have been well illustrated in recent studies among seniors, veterans, students, and infants. Effects range from poorly developed language skills and lagging educational performance among children to significantly decreased physical and emotional health in older adults. Most consumers are unaware that today's hearing aids carry some of the best, most comprehensive consumer protections of any products they can buy. Classified as medical devices by the FDA, hearing aids are manufactured according to specific federal government regulations and standards of quality. Individuals who dispense hearing aids are registered or licensed by their state, and that regulation carries specific consumer provisions and safeguards.