three cheerful coworkers examining data on a laptop

CareCredit, a Sycle partner, recently released a “Hearing Health & Loss Prevention” survey, offering critical insights into consumer behavior and attitudes towards hearing health. For audiologists, this data is not just informative—it’s a call to action. Understanding these findings can help you better serve your patients, enhance your practice, and promote the importance of hearing health in your community.

Understanding the Link Between Hearing Health and Dementia

The survey reveals a significant gap in public awareness: 71% of consumers aged 18-55 are unaware of the connection between hearing health and dementia. This is a crucial insight for audiologists because it highlights the need for increased education and advocacy around preventative hearing care. The fact that 49% of consumers are more likely to get their hearing checked after learning about this link presents an opportunity for audiologists to promote regular hearing assessments as part of overall health maintenance.

Up to 3 out of 4 consumer are willing to change behaviors to preserve their hearing by taking steps like...

Addressing Consumer Barriers

Another valuable finding is that while 70% of consumers prioritize their hearing, less than 10% visited an audiologist in the past year. This disconnect points to a significant awareness gap that audiologists can help bridge, and highlights an opportunity for acquiring new patients. The data also suggests that stigma around hearing devices continues to deter people from seeking care, particularly due to concerns about the visibility of hearing aids and the fear of being perceived as old.

Changing Perceptions Among Gen Z and Millennials

The survey results show that Gen Z and Millennials are more likely to believe that hearing impairment only affects older adults, yet audiologists are seeing an increase in hearing issues among young adults ages 18-29. This demographic often doesn’t seek care until significant damage has occurred, indicating a denial or lack of understanding about their vulnerability to hearing loss. You might consider promotion to a younger audience as part of your marketing programs.

Motivating Consumers to Take Action 

According to the survey, the top motivators for consumers to get their hearing checked are the development of noticeable symptoms and the availability of free assessments. These insights can help audiologists tailor their marketing strategies to encourage more frequent hearing checks.

About 1 in 5 consumers admitted to experiencing potential symptoms of hearing loss, of which share that they...

One of the survey’s most surprising findings is that 9 out of 10 consumers are unaware of online hearing tests as a diagnostic option. This presents a significant opportunity for audiologists to introduce potential patients to these convenient tools, which can serve as a gateway to in-person consultations.

Turning Insights into Action

CareCredit’s “Hearing Health & Loss Prevention” survey offers valuable insights that audiologists can use to better understand consumer attitudes and behaviors. By addressing awareness gaps, combating stigma, and leveraging consumer motivators, audiologists can encourage more people to prioritize their hearing health. Implementing these strategies not only benefits your patients but also positions your practice as a leader in hearing health advocacy.

This survey was conducted by CareCredit, a Sycle partner offering flexible and easy patient financing. For more information, contact the Sycle sales team.

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