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Data from the hearing aid industry shows that many more women seek help to hear than men.
Why are men so much slower to get hearing aids than women? I have listened closely to the men who have sought my help and here are some of the reasons they give for waiting so long.
Many saw their grandfathers use hearing aids and they have a negative image about looking older. They associate hearing aids with declining age and health. They feel giving into hearing aids signifies that their best years are behind them.
One of the biggest reasons is denial. Men seem quicker to blame others in the family for speaking softly or mumbling.
"If only they would speak up! I could hear them," many guys have said at the hearing examination. Before you read further, I know I can be accused of being stereotypical or sexist about these ideas. But I am just telling you my experience from this side of the hearing examination.
Even vanity is somewhere on some men's list, too. Older men's hair typically does not hide hearing aids like women's hair. Some guys are concerned about maintaining that image of vitality. Men don't age more slowly than women but they do adjust to it more slowly.
Sometimes a man is stubborn to admit he has a need and take steps to help that need. Time and time again through the years I have listened as wives and adult daughters talk to their dad or husband in my presence about their frustration with his constant asking them to repeat themselves or saying "WHAT?"
I watch as he under-reacts because he has heard it all so many times. At some point I ask him if I can be blunt. I then politely tell him that his wife and children are tired of being his hearing aids when he could have his own pair.
Rare is the man that does not see himself in an entirely different light. For those kind of guys, I suggest they try a pair at no cost for a couple of weeks to see if the improvement justified investing in his own pair of hearing aids.
By the way, I have never had a man who was willing to test drive a pair ever give them back. Guys, if you need help hearing better find a hearing professional and make an appointment. Ask for a test drive if you need, but an amazing life of hearing better can be simply one appointment away.
Hearing care is health care. If you have the symptoms of hearing loss let a professional help you find out why. The hearing professional will help you sort out the technology level to meet your need, your budget and answer your hearing needs questions.
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Jeffrey L. Bayliff, NBC-HIS, is owner of Hear the Birds Hearing Aid Center, Lock Haven and State College.