Analyzing Factors Responsible For Non- Acceptance of Hearing Aids

Abstract

Hearing loss relates to missing certain sounds. The problem is certain sounds in the hearing nerve in our brain do not get enough stimulation. The nerves need stimulation. When it is not stimulated, the nerve stops working. When the nerve stops working, there arises complexity in our hearing nerves, which processes sounds that we hear. Similar to exercising which we do to keep your body healthy, our ears also need to hear sounds and recognize them to function at its best. So, the longer waiting time prior to hearing aids purchase, or to wear them, the less stimulation the brain and hearing nerves get. The speech recognition becomes worse. Studies by WHO shows that nearly 40% of the age group in between age group 55-74 yrs (McCormack A. & Fortnum H., May2013) suffers from this type of problem. If we compare with vision impairment Hearing Impairment users do not take this matter quite seriously. The problem of Hearing Loss is not only restricted to senior citizens but all age groups. Once the nerve is affected, there is no way to reverse the damage. There are also other side effects of not wearing Hearing aids. These include higher risk of cognitive decline, forgetfulness, depression, low performance at work leading to income, less productivity and the list goes on. The factors which responsible for non-acceptance are not single but rather they are multi faced. Starting from financial problems, Physical looks, Perception, discomfort, are some of the few reasons. In this paper has tried to identify the factors which are responsible for this challenge. There needs to be further research and findings which can provide more factors responsible. Major studies in this field in the near future can identify many other factors which are even date beyond our knowledge.