Welcome to Men’s Health Month (already in progress)—a time when we raise awareness of preventable health issues in men. And what better time for men everywhere to examine their hearing health and get any hearing issues squared away?
After all, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, men between 20–69 years of age are almost twice as likely as women to have trouble hearing. And it’s important to understand that treating hearing loss sooner rather than later can help you maintain not only your quality of life, but also overall health, by decreasing the risk of comorbidities like:
- Cognitive decline
- Loneliness, isolation, and depression
- Falls (injury associated with)
- Early mortality
The list goes on.
Of course, we at Starkey understand that getting your hearing tested and facing the potential of wearing hearing aids can be easier said than done. And one of the biggest reasons—particularly for men—is stigma (or a “set of negative and unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something,” according to Merriam-Webster).
Hearing aid stigma is most common among men, according to study
Barbara Kelley, executive director of the Hearing Loss Association of America, recently told Men’s Health Magazine that men are “especially hesitant to wear hearing aids because the devices are associated with aging and (being less able). They feel out of the game.”
If this sentiment rings true to you, you’re not alone. Forbes Health and OnePoll surveyed 500 U.S. adults (with various levels of diagnosed hearing loss) to gain a better understanding of people’s feelings on hearing aids, and here’s what they found:
Nearly half (48%) of participants believed that there was a social stigma around wearing a hearing aid. This perspective was held slightly more by men at 50%, versus women at 46%.
It’s also interesting to note that the “appearance” of hearing aids was reportedly a reason why some participants avoided pursuing them. Specifically, 1 in 5 participants said they did not want others to see them wearing the devices—however, 66% said they would be more inclined to wear them if they weren’t visible.
As shown from the study, perceptions of hearing aids can be a barrier to treating hearing loss, which is why it’s important to remember that perceptions are just that.
By becoming more informed about today’s hearing technology and listening to what actual hearing aid wearers have to say about it, you may discover that hearing aid stigma is unwarranted. (Yes, it’s true!)
Hey, Men—here’s increasing proof that hearing aid stigma is unmerited
Take it from proud hearing aid wearer Daymond John—co-star of Emmy award-winning Shark Tank and entrepreneur—whose hearing aids help him feel anything but “old,” less capable, or “out of the game.” The way he sees it, they give him an edge:
“They're not just enhancing my hearing—they’re giving me a superpower,” says John, who purposely wears bright red behind-the-ear hearing aids so people will ask about them. “Whether it’s in meetings, on call, at events, or while I’m traveling, my hearing aids keep me dialed in to everything and everyone around me—making sure I never miss a beat.”
For Stan C., a retired engineer, wearing hearing aids restores his connection to his family and friends. “I can understand everything my granddaughter is saying again,” he says, adding, "Before, it was hard to interact with friends because I just couldn't hear them. Now we can all be together…I just put (my hearing aids) on and that's it. They just work.”
What stigma? Asks Kevin A., a retired business owner. “I don't feel self-conscious. And when people even hear that I have them, they go, ‘What? No, you don't.’”
Want to hear even more ways wearing hearing aids is changing men’s lives for the better? Check out additional recent real-life testimonials here and here:
More reasons why hearing aid stigma is outdated
Better hearing looks better than ever
Today’s hearing aids, like the many cool digital innovations (e.g. smartphones, tablets, GPS) that enhance daily living, are now sleek, stylish, and seamless—unlike the past bulky, skin-colored, ill-fitting instruments. You can even get hearing aids that are customized to fit inside your ear canal and are virtually invisible to the human eye.
Hearing aids are innovative “gadgets”
Hearing aids have rapidly evolved into cool, wearable tech devices. With Starkey’s Edge AI hearing aids, for example, the sound you hear feels natural, crystal-clear and true-to-life. You also gain more control over what you’re hearing, with the capability to turn up sounds you want to hear and diminish sounds you don’t.
These innovative devices additionally allow you to stream calls, music, and TV audio, plus use them like a personal fitness tracker to count steps; track physical, social, and hearing activity; and much more. All by simply connecting the hearing aids to the My Starkey hearing aid app.
We all want wellness
It’s no secret that more people are being more proactive with their overall health these days. And just as exercising regularly or eating healthy can be great for your total wellbeing, so can treating your hearing loss. Better hearing helps improve your communication with others, so you can stay social and maintain an active lifestyle. The result: long-term benefits including the reduced risk of depression, anxiety, dementia, and more.
Moreover, wearing hearing aids can help you stay physically active, even beyond the health-monitoring features we mentioned: Whether you’re out gardening or power walking, hearing your best can lesson your chances of tripping or falling by improving your balance and helping you maintain awareness over your surroundings.
So, as you can see, hearing aid stigma is out-of-date and hearing aid technology is up-to-the-minute in innovation—and our individual, everyday needs.
Forget stigma—and remember to see a hearing care professional
If you think you may be experiencing hearing loss, take this Men’s Health Month to ask yourself:
How do I want to live: How are my conversations REALLY going? Am I feeling exhaustion at my workplace? Is there anything I can do to feel better and more “connected” in my daily life, around my family and friends, etc.?
And then make an appointment with a licensed hearing care professional. They can evaluate your hearing, discuss your concerns, and if appropriate, point you to the best hearing solution for your personal needs and lifestyle.
Remember, in order to take care of the ones you love and enjoy life to the fullest, you must take care of yourself. When you hear better, you—and all of the people you care about—live better, too.