6 minute read

Loud music, loud job sites, loud gyms and garages- it adds up. Maybe that’s part of why one in three men 40 or older has some hearing loss. Yet, according to the Hearing Loss Association of America, people wait an average of 7-10 years after noticing hearing difficulty before getting treatment. 

So why do men wait? Is it pride? Cost? A general aversion to doctors?  

Whatever the reason, what’s at stake is far more serious than a few missed words at dinner. Cognitive decline, strained relationships, and missed opportunities all come with the territory. 

The good news?  More discreet hearing aids and payment plans are making care more accessible than ever. 

The Telltale Signs You’re Probably Ignoring

Men are often in denial about hearing loss, but there are some telltale signs you shouldn’t ignore. 

  • Turning the TV Volume Up: TVs, radios, computers- whatever it is- if you’re turning it up louder than usual across the board, a hearing problem could be a contributing factor- especially if your partner is giving you the side eye! 
  • Struggling to Follow Conversations in Loud Bars, Restaurants, and Group Settings: It may be difficult to distinguish voices from background noise, which can affect your hearing in noisy environments.
  • Feeling Exhausted After Socializing: Listening fatigue is real.
  • Ringing or Buzzing in the Ears: A common sign of tinnitus that many people learn to tune out.
  • Asking People to Repeat Themselves: As hearing loss progresses, you may be unable to hear people in quieter environments, especially when communicating via phone or video conference. 
  • Missing Punchlines or the Point of Jokes: Catching half a conversation and laughing a beat late, or not at all, isn’t always about attention. Hearing loss could be the underlying cause. 

Why Guys Ignore These Signs

There are several reasons why guys ignore the signs of hearing loss. Here are some to consider: 

  • The “I’m fine” Reflex: Guys feel like admitting they have hearing loss also means admitting they’re old or weak
  • Vanity Concerns: The thought of wearing a clunky beige hearing aid is too much to bear
  • Avoidance of Doctors’ Offices: According to the American Heart Association, men are less likely than women to get preventative screenings, seek timely medical care, or get vaccinated, and the treatment gap is not about to stop at hearing care. Misguided masculinity could be at play, or it could come down to costs, not wanting to take time off work, or fearing a worse diagnosis than anticipated. 
  • Underestimating the Problem: Hearing loss is gradual, making it easy to normalize or ignore. 

Why Waiting Is a Real Mistake

Another issue- some men may feel like there’s no urgency in visiting an audiologist. After all, hearing loss isn’t deadly, and preventing it doesn’t necessarily require professional intervention. But when you ignore it, here’s what’s really at stake: 

  • Strained Relationships: Partners can get frustrated at having to repeat themselves; children may not understand hearing loss and may think you’re ignoring them; friends may wonder why you’re not fully engaged in the conversation. In time, they give up. 
  • Cognitive Decline and Dementia Risk: According to the Lancet Commission on Dementia, Prevention, Intervention, and Care, hearing loss is the largest potentially modifiable risk factor for dementia, accounting for about 8% of cases worldwide. Struggling to make out words detracts from learning and memory, leading to cognitive decline. 
  • Missed Opportunities at Work: Misheard instructions, missed context in meetings-your superiors may not understand that hearing loss is to blame and attribute your lack of attention to other factors, causing you to miss opportunities to coworkers who seem sharper and more alert.  Over time, this can quietly shape how you’re perceived — not as someone managing a treatable condition, but as someone who’s checked out.
  • Isolation Risk: When work and social relationships diminish, it leads to isolation and related depression, anxiety, and suicide risk. 

The Good News: Hearing Aids Aren’t What You Remember

There is good news for men who would rather risk it all than wear a clunky hearing aid- today’s devices are more discreet than ever. Many, like the Eargo 8, are known to be nearly invisible. Or, you may choose the Jabra Enhance Select 700\, which offers premium sound, Bluetooth streaming, hands-free calls, and looks more like an upscale tech gadget than a clunky hearing device. 

What To Actually Do About It

  • Take a Free Online Screening Test: These tests are offered by established hearing aid manufacturers such as Phonak and ReSound. They take 3-5 minutes and can help you confirm whether more testing is needed. 
  • Schedule an Audiologist Appointment: We know this may sound like more commitment than you bargained for, but hearing tests are generally quick and painless. And if a hearing aid is needed, OTC options are available online. 
  • Pay with a Payment Plan: Cost is another sticking point for many men, but care can be more affordable with a payment plan. 

How Do Payment Plans Work?

Payment plans are similar to a credit card. They close the balance between you and your provider and spread payments over time to ease cash flow. And unlike credit cards, many offer limited-time, interest-free periods. 

It’s easy to get started. Simply ask your provider which payment plans they work with. Check your eligibility online- a simple process with approval typically happening in minutes. Once approved, you can receive care right away and pay off your balance in monthly installments. 

Not all payment plans are created equal. It’s essential to look for one that offers low fees and interest rates, transparent policies, and convenient customer service. Cherry is a recommended option. 

Getting Your Hearing Checked Is the Bravest Thing You Can Do

When you think about it, getting your hearing checked is an act of bravery. It’s about overcoming fear and avoidance, admitting you have a problem, and being proactive. It sets a good example for everyone around you. 

And now that you know how easy it will be- when will you book your next appointment?