A new TruHearing survey finds that nearly half of Tennessee seniors with hearing loss cite cost as the reason they have not pursued treatment, with many waiting more than five years before seeking care—a delay that may carry serious downstream health consequences.
More than a quarter (28%) of Tennessee seniors with hearing loss wait over five years before seeking treatment, outpacing the national average delay of four years, according to new survey data released by TruHearing. The findings point to cost confusion and low awareness of available benefits as key barriers to timely hearing care.
The online survey, conducted via Pollfish, included 1,837 US adults ages 70–88, with 287 Tennessee residents among the respondents.
Nearly half (47%) of Tennessee seniors with hearing loss say they have not pursued treatment because they believe it is too expensive—compared to 32% nationally. An additional 34% report being unsure whether their healthcare plan covers hearing aids. Among cost-concerned seniors, 56% say that information about affordable options or insurance coverage would motivate them to seek treatment. TruHearing notes that in many cases, hearing benefits can reduce the cost of hearing aids by half.
The reluctance to act persists even when family members raise concerns. More than half (55%) of Tennessee seniors say a loved one encouraging them to get their hearing checked would signal a problem—yet among those who have received such encouragement, only 14% have had their hearing evaluated in the past year.
The delay carries potential health implications beyond hearing. Untreated hearing loss has been linked to increased risk of cognitive decline, social isolation, and falls. Despite falls being a top aging-related health concern among Tennesseans, only 21% are aware that hearing loss may contribute to fall risk.
“This is what I see a lot in my practice—many older adults wait years before addressing hearing loss, often because they believe it’s not serious enough or they’re worried about cost,” says Lisa Ford, AuD, founder of Shea Hearing Solutions in Memphis, in a release. “Advances in hearing care have made treatment more accessible, effective, and affordable than ever before, yet too many people remain unaware of the resources and solutions available to them. A hearing evaluation is a simple first step toward improving quality of life and staying connected to the people and moments that matter most.”
In response to the findings, TruHearing has launched its “Elect to Reconnect” campaign, aimed at encouraging Tennessee seniors to explore their hearing healthcare benefits and pursue earlier intervention. The initiative seeks to address cost misconceptions and raise awareness of coverage options that may already be available to many seniors.
“Hearing loss shouldn’t be viewed as an inevitable part of aging that seniors simply have to live with,” says Rob Gibbs, chief growth officer at TruHearing, in a release. “The reality is that untreated hearing loss can affect communication, relationships, overall health, and quality of life. Many Tennessee seniors may already have insurance coverage or affordable options available to them, but they aren’t aware of it. We hope this campaign raises awareness and empowers individuals to take action.”
TruHearing serves more than 160 million people through over 300 partners nationwide. More information about the “Elect to Reconnect” campaign is available at TruHearing.com/elect.
Featured image: Dreamstime
