It is estimated that 20% of Americans have hearing loss, but 80% of people who could benefit from hearing aids do not buy them, according to multiple media sources. According to Harris, the high cost of hearing aids is one of the main reasons people put up with hearing loss. Many people are also unaware of other hearing loss solutions that can be used as an affordable alternative to hearing aids or as a supplement to hearing aids, Harris reports. These solutions, including assistive listening devices or ALDs, range in price from $75 to $300.
Harris Communications offers a wide range of assistive listening devices, including amplified and captioned telephones, personal amplifiers, cell phone accessory amplifiers, and TV listeners that allow the hard-of- hearing to enjoy their favorite shows without disturbing others. Harris Communications also offers bedside tinnitus maskers that drown out the annoying ringing in the ears that often accompanies hearing loss, preventing sufferers from getting a restful night’s sleep. Assistive listening devices and tinnitus maskers can be purchased without a professional exam, but Harris Communications recommends having hearing loss examined by a hearing health professional.
“If you have hearing loss, I guarantee we have a product that can help you, at a price you can afford,” said Harris Communications President Ray Harris. “Our assistive listening devices can be used as an alternative to hearing aids, or to supplement hearing aids in situations that can be especially challenging for the hard of hearing, like talking on the phone, having a conversation in a noisy restaurant, or hearing your pastor in church.”
“Ignoring hearing loss is never a good idea,” Harris continued. “It’s not just an inconvenience. It can lead to isolation and depression, and studies by Johns Hopkins University have found that seniors who have untreated hearing loss are significantly more likely to develop dementia.”
Source: Harris Communications, Inc.
