Based on your responses, your loved one may have hearing loss.
Below is some educational information on how hearing loss is treated and how to best support your loved one.
Stay connected to the people you love
Did you know 48 million1 Americans have some degree of hearing loss? It’s very common — and your loved one is not alone. Preventative care and treating hearing loss early can help them hear the sounds they’ve been missing. With UnitedHealthcare Hearing, your loved one has options for care that are convenient and provide value.
Why it's important to treat hearing loss early
Treating hearing loss earlier may make all the difference in the world, allowing you to rediscover parts of your life that may have felt missing.
Enjoy daily activities again
Whether it’s gardening or going to the gym, better hearing can help them be more involved in their everyday activities.
Stay connected to the people you love
Reengaging in conversations with family and friends may help your loved one feel more connected to important relationships.
Discover more independence
When your loved one is more aware of their surroundings, they may be able to do more without having to rely on anyone else.
Support brain
health
Reduce the risk of cognitive decline and diseases such as Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Risks of untreated hearing
loss
Living with untreated hearing loss impacts more than just hearing. That's why it's important to get your loved one help early, so it doesn't lead to negative effects such as:
- Depression or chronic fatigue
- Feelings of loneliness in social settings
- Problems with memory and focus
- Risks to your safety such as falling or tripping
- More severe health problems (For example: Alzheimer's or dementia)
When your loved one won't wear a hearing aid
To support your loved one and help them get the treatment they need without frustrating them or making them lose trust, it's important to communicate in a way they can understand.
Consider a gentle approach. Let them know how their hearing loss is affecting friends and family members and that you are concerned for their health. A great way to communicate to them could be through a handwritten letter, which may be helpful if their hearing loss is more severe.
To further support your loved one, an online hearing test could be a simple, low-pressure solution to start the conversation or process of treatment. Another option could be scheduling an appointment with a hearing professional.
How hearing aids work
Hearing aids pick up sound from your environment, convert it to a digital signal, and amplify the sound into your ears. Try this simple audio simulation for an example of what hearing aids might sound like for you.
Try this hearing simulation
Have your loved one put on their headphones and experience dinner in a busy restaurant with and without hearing aids. Click the audio buttons below to hear the difference a pair of hearing aids can make.
With Hearing Aids
Without Hearing Aids
This simulation is recorded with Phonak hearing aids, powered by Sonova technology.
Technology, Choice, Support
Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription hearing aids are available with a variety of options to meet your loved one's needs. Create an account to learn about coverage.3
Check CoverageOver-the-counter
Prescription
Degree of hearing loss
Mild to moderate hearing loss.
Customization and capabilities
A variety of styles to fit most individuals. Customizable through an app on your smartphone.
Warranties and repairs
Shorter warranties. Your loved one will likely work with the manufacturer for repairs and coverage.
Service and support
Ideal if your loved one is comfortable with technology and adjusting their own settings.
Types of devices
Situational use for specific situations (For example: restaurants or exercise) or all-day use
Degree of hearing loss
Any degree of hearing loss, including moderate to severe.
Customization and capabilities
Programmed by a hearing-care professional to match your specific hearing needs.
Warranties and repairs
Longer warranties. Your loved one will work with your hearing-care professional for repairs and coverage. 6
Service and support
Ideal if your loved one wants help from a hearing-care professional for adjustments.
Types of devices
Broad array of brands, styles, and features.
Explore hearing products
Through UnitedHealthcare Hearing, your loved one has access to top-quality hearing aids from some of the most popular manufacturers.5 An array of options to match their lifestyle, hearing needs and budget is available. Your loved one can create an account or log in to view their coverage to discover what hearing aid may be best for them.
Explore brands
What hearing and pricing benefits does my loved one have?
As a UnitedHealthcare Hearing member, your loved one's hearing aids, care and accessories may be covered.
- Get a no-cost hearing exam through UnitedHealthcare Hearing
- 60 days to try out hearing aids purchased from a provider
- A 3-year extended warranty for repair and a one-time loss or damage replacement6
- 3 follow-up visits at no cost7
- Convenient national network8 for hearing care professionals
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