Hearing Aids for Pensioners

Hearing Aids for Pensioners

The new modern-day consumer

Age should never be a barrier to hearing

Current UK statistics show that 40% of people over the age of 50 have some degree of hearing loss.  Age is the most common cause of hearing loss, due to the natural wear and tear of the tiny hair cells in the inner ear, but there are other links too - like prolonged exposure to loud noises.  Hearing loss is usually a gradual process that people don't notice immediately, but it is important that you seek professional help as soon as you do.  This will ultimately improve the success of your treatment and future hearing healthcare.

Hearing aids are generally the preferred treatment for many types of hearing loss, as they make sounds louder and clearer.  They amplify sound and can distinguish the difference between foreground noise like conversation and background noise like traffic.  Focusing on what you want to hear and reducing the sounds that aren't important to you. 

Hearing aids can also reduce the feedback you commonly get when wearing devices, so your hearing experience is more comfortable and natural.  Hearing aids will not cure your hearing loss, but they are essential to improving your quality of life, stay connected to those around you and to make life that little bit easier.

In this article, we discuss our real-life experiences and knowledge of consumer wants, needs and requirements of the modern-day pensioner.  But, before we do let's take a look at some UK statistics...

Some hearing loss & hearing aid facts:

• 1 in 6 people in the UK has some form of hearing loss.
• Ageing is the most common cause of hearing loss - overall hearing impairment increases naturally with age.
• Hearing loss can triple your risk of a fall.
• Hearing loss can contribute to sleeping disorders.
• Untreated hearing loss can lead to anxiety, depression and mental health issues.
• 5-7 years is the average someone will wait until they get their hearing checked professionally.
• Hearing aids are proven to reduce the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's.
• Hearing aids can sync with electrical devices, so you can easily connect to your at-home devices, people and the world.
• Hearing aids can connect to loop systems for use in public spaces and places of worship.

Pensioners hearing aids

What is important to realise is that people who are over 60 are still wanting the connectivity, high technical specifications and features from their hearing aids, just as much as those who are younger.  We cannot assume that pensioners of this generation are looking for hearing aids that existed twenty years ago.  The majority have active lifestyles that need catering for, as well as their hearing loss - without limitations! 

We are seeing a great increase and shift in consumers wants and needs of this demographic - with that the demand for technology advancements has risen.  The pensioners of today's world want great Bluetooth connectivity to all their favourite electrical devices, they want modern features and they want stylish and contemporary models.  Opting for styles that aren't just aimed to help dexterity issues, but are something they need to wear and want to wear.  Hearing devices that not only help them to hear better but to also complement their lifestyle, however active, so they can thrive and live life to the full.

Today's hearing aids & new hearing aids for pensioners

The modern hearing aids on the market today offer pensioners the opportunity to challenge the boundaries of hearing loss in every hearing situation with incredible ease.  The marvel that is the current hearing aid technology now gives us discreet hearing aid options, all-day comfort, natural sound and automatic adjustments.  

With more options to choose from and continued development in remote healthcare - hearing aids are easier to control, readily accessible and compatible with mobile phones. You can start enjoying life again as you concentrate on hearing, rather than thinking about your hearing aids.  Getting all the advantages of digital hearing aids discreetly and with a solution that works in all areas of your life - not just your hearing loss.  

Best hearing aids for pensioners

When choosing a hearing aid there are so many factors to consider, but thankfully the choice is forever increasing and we no longer have to settle for that 'brown banana' of a bygone time.  For pensioners there might be more criteria to tick - please remember we a generalising here - but here are some examples:

• When dexterity is a problem:  A small hearing aid means small batteries and sometimes these can be quite difficult to change. So, if dexterity is a problem, then these hearing aids might not be right for you.
• When you need extra power:  Previously if you fell into this category then there was very little on the market that could help you, however with recent advances in miniaturisation and power amplification then there is now a select range of superpower hearing aids that could make a real difference to your day to day life.  Bigger power doesn't necessarily mean bigger hearing aid - there are a lot of superpower devices that are small in size.
• When you want a discreet shape, but not sure if it's suitable:   Modern hearing aids can actually be completely invisible, but even if you choose a non-invisible model then the designs are now sleek and inconspicuous - whatever your age.  However, these types of hearing aids aren't compatible with everyone.  This is something you can discuss with your audiologist.
• When connectivity is important to you:  What is impressive is the use of Bluetooth within hearing aid technology, which has continued to advance over the past few years - offering consumers flexibility, great connectivity and pairing hearing aids with mobile phones.  So, listening to your favourite radio station is even more enjoyable. 
• When you want features/apps that benefit your hearing health:  There are now plenty of beneficial hearing aid apps from all the manufacturers, that can and do enhance your life.  For instance, Starkey created the first 'healthable' hearing aid range with Livio range.  So you can access fall detection, health diagnostics and much more at the touch of your fingertips.  Great for you to keep track of your personal hearing health and extra reassurance for your family members. 

Are hearing aids free for pensioners?  NHS hearing aids for pensioners

There are some consumers who are wondering "How much do hearing aids cost for pensioners?" and "Are there free hearing aids for pensioners?".  This ultimately all depends on whether you want to opt for NHS or private hearing healthcare - it's a personal choice.

While we understand and respect the hearing service that the NHS provides - if advanced technology, connectivity, choice and modern styles are important to you, the NHS have limitations in these areas.  For instance, NHS hearing aids are unable to offer Bluetooth connectivity at this time.

Hearing Aid UK can support you on your hearing journey

We understand and can completely relate to how overwhelming embarking on your hearing healthcare journey is.  Whatever your age, type of hearing loss or level of hearing loss - Hearing Aid UK can support, advise and assist in locating your nearest audiologist who can guide you in the right direction.  Call us free on 0800 567 7621 to get your hearing and your life back on track!

Read Next:  Types of Hearing Loss