Many years later, I wonder if he had been withdrawn from conversations due to his hearing difficulties.
Isolation is the new smoking in terms of a risk factor for illness and death. Studies are showing socializing is more important than regular exercise or healthy diet. Hearing is key to socializing and lack of hearing can be a factor for physical exhaustion, forgetfulness, and depression.
Where is hearing loss?
Most countries report similar levels of hearing loss between 9 - 11 percent of the total population.
Countries report different results in managing it, however:
What do hearing aids cost?
Fortunately, technology has provided options for hearing restoration. But, at what price?
New Zealand
Hearing tests are free. In 2015, the Ministry of Health paid for 24,500 hearing aids and reported the average cost of a single hearing aid was $2,233. The government subsidized $511, leaving $1,722 ($1,150 US) to be paid out-of-pocket. Additionally, the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) government program contributes toward the cost of hearing aids for people suffering hearing loss due to injury from an accident, medical misadventure, or industrial noise. The amounts vary depending on the severity of hearing loss from $935 to $1,833 per hearing aid. The ACC will also contribute toward second opinions, cost of fittings and ear molds, and repairs after expiration of the two-year warranty.
United States
In the US, a person without insurance might pay $270 for an exam by an audiologist. I would have had a $20 co-pay thanks to my "excellent" insurance which my employer and I paid $1,200 / month for my husband and myself.
A US friend reports finding good hearing aids at Costco ranging between $1,200 - $5,000 per hearing aid. Another friend opted for high-end hearing aids and paid $7,000 for two, which includes a lifetime guarantee and offers quarterly cleaning and checkups. Both friends were eligible for Medicare, which offers a bottom-of-the-line hearing aid sent through the mail without any fittings or follow-up.
For the most part, Medicare does not cover cost of hearing aids nor do most insurance plans, with the exception of some plans for children, federal workers, and veterans. A few plans, including some from Medicare Advantage, offer partial coverage or discounts. Residents of some states (Arkansas, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island) may also be eligible for hearing aid coverage since insurers are required to provide coverage for adults. New Hampshire insurance companies are required to cover the cost of no less than $1,500 per hearing aid once every five years. Rhode Island requires individual and group insurance policies to provide $700 for each hearing aid every three years. In Arkansas, insurance companies are required to offer coverage to employers. If the company chooses this option, the insurance company must provide coverage of no less than $1,400 per hearing aid every three years.
Europe
European countries which provide a subsidy for hearing aids experience higher hearing aid use:
- Norway - the maximum public subsidy is 5,400 Nkr per hearing aid ($788 US, $1,180 NZD)
- Switzerland - Like New Zealand, Switzerland has a two-tier subsidy, paying 630-840 CHF ($633-845 US, $948-1,265 NZD) per hearing aid, with the lower range applicable to those with age-related hearing loss and the higher range applicable to hearing loss affecting ability to work.
- UK - hearing aids, tests, and fittings are free. NHS funds behind-the-ear and receiver-in-the-ear types. Private clinics and other newer products are available, but the NHS reports that 84% of hearing aids were obtained through public funding. HOWEVER, in 2015, some districts began rationing hearing aids by only providing one hearing aid for those who needed two, and starting in October 2018, some districts such as North Staffordshire will no longer provide hearing aids to adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Norway and Britain reported the waiting list for a publicly funded appointment can be several months. For those who choose to go to a private dispenser, virtually no waiting list is involved.
Here are the results:
Hearing is a gift. How different life would be without music, the sounds of birds, the ocean, or the voices and laughter of family and friends. With growing distain for loud restaurants and parties, before following Louie too far into isolation, it's time to have a hearing test.
