By Carolyn Rosenblatt – Forbes
Most of us probably know someone who can’t hear very well and doesn’t use hearing aids. It can be frustrating trying to have a conversation with that person. particularly in a group setting, like a dinner table or in a restaurant. They say “what?” and you repeat, but they still don’t hear you much. Can you do anything about this? Maybe. It depends on why some aging parents will or won’t accept wearing hearing aids.
Why do folks resist hearing aids?
Hearing aids used to cost thousands of dollars and Medicare never did cover them. You had to get an in-person test and a prescription. You had to have the money to pay for them. That has now changed. As of October 22, 2022, the Food and Drug Administration ruled that you can now buy over the counter hearing aids without a prescription or professional fitting. That is very helpful, considering that at least 50% of people over age 75 have hearing loss that interferes with daily life.
