Hearing loss is a common chronic physical condition that affects approximately 48 million Americans, making it the third most common condition in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Despite its strong ties to depression, cognitive decline, reduced balance leading to falls, and even cardiovascular functions and diabetes, most insurance companies, including Medicare, do not cover it.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that only 14% of adults aged 50 and older with hearing loss use hearing aids, often citing financial barriers as a significant obstacle. Although highly skilled audiologists can diagnose and treat hearing loss with state-of-the-art hearing devices, many Americans, especially seniors on a fixed income, cannot afford these life-changing devices as the cost of living continues to increase.
According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, the average cost of a hearing aid in the United States ranges from $2,000 to $7,000 per device, which includes not only the device itself but also necessary services such as diagnostics, programming, and follow-up appointments.
“Humans were not meant to be in isolation. Humans are meant to connect and be with one another, and communication is a big part of that,” said Dr. Susan Sheehy, an audiologist working with Hearing the Call. Unfortunately, many adults and seniors with low incomes are at risk of isolation from their families and communities because they cannot afford hearing aids.
Doctors working with LIFE and Hearing the Call in Rocket City in Northern Alabama were excited to help their community hear again. In December, just in time for the holidays, five new patients in Madison, Alabama were seen and fitted with hearing aids through this collaborative effort.
Patients like Charlie Martin have gone far too long without hearing aids. Not only did he suffer, but so did his family who struggled to communicate with him. His wife, Mae, was delighted to know she would no longer have to shout when speaking to him. Mae explained to Dr. Brianna Thomas how badly her husband needed hearing aids as his hearing loss is now severe. With the help received from LIFE for Relief and Development and Hearing the Call, she and Charlie left the clinic feeling happy and hopeful for the future for the first time in a long time.
Charlie Martin himself expressed his gratitude, stating, "Receiving these hearing aids has given me a new lease on life. I can now hear the laughter of my grandchildren and have meaningful conversations with my loved ones. I am immensely thankful to Hearing the Call and LIFE for making this possible."
LIFE would like to thank our donors for making these life-changing projects a reality. With continued support, projects like these can continue to grow and impact more lives. No one should be denied hearing health, and with millions suffering, the time to help is now.
Photo of a team member consulting and helping a recipient of a hearing aid.
