Hearing loss is a sensitive topic, even among people who are close to one another. As a friend or acquaintance, isn’t it better to hold back? Experts say, “Absolutely not!” The sooner those affected are made aware of the options for compensating for hearing loss, the greater the improvement in quality of life they (and the people they talk to) will experience as a result. Close friends have a greater influence in this regard than they might think.

According to a recent survey, one in three people with hearing loss (34.2 percent) made an appointment with a hearing care professional and received hearing aids based on the advice of family or friends. Trust plays a major role in this context—not only in relationships with friends and acquaintances, but also with the hearing care professionals who are ultimately chosen. In a survey conducted by the Brandenburg and Berlin Guild Health Insurance Fund (IKK BB) and the Federal Guild of Hearing Aid Specialists (biha), these specialists received exceptionally high ratings: On a scale of zero to ten, insured individuals gave hearing aid specialists a top score of eight points. “For a medical device that isn’t necessarily among the most popular in Germany, this is an absolutely outstanding result that reflects the high quality of training in the hearing aid specialist trade,” said Marianne Frickel, president of biha, commenting on the survey results.

Overall, survey participants are very satisfied with the advice provided by hearing aid specialists. Just over half of those surveyed (52.8 percent) rated the professional service provided by hearing aid specialists as particularly important, closely followed by good advice (48.7 percent). Respondents also highlighted the patient counseling in a welcoming environment, the individual fitting, and the opportunity to test multiple hearing aids. Thanks to the hearing care professional’s expert advice and the personalized evaluation, nearly all survey participants received a hearing aid that compensates for their hearing loss without having to pay anything out of pocket. It is precisely the small models—almost invisible in the ear—that help alleviate initial reservations about hearing technology and perhaps even about one’s own hearing loss. So don’t hesitate to talk to people you trust. Whether it’s about yourself, a friend, or your partner. Because trust—whether in a conversation with friends or during a consultation with your hearing care professional—is the first step toward a long-term improvement in your quality of life. You can find hearing care professionals near you here.