We often talk about the different reasons why people choose to wait or avoid seeking help for their hearing loss through hearing aids. One of the most common reasons is stigma, which Merriam-Webster defines as “a set of negative and unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something.” In this case, that “something” is hearing aids.
For people with hearing loss, stigma may entail the fear of being perceived as less capable or “old” if they are seen wearing hearing aids. They may also construe hearing technology as the big, cumbersome, tan-hued devices people wore in the distant past.
Well, we at Starkey are here to tell you that nothing could be further from the truth.
Just ask legendary rock musician Huey Lewis or co-star of Emmy award-winning Shark Tank and entrepreneur Daymond John: Two public figures who aren’t afraid to tell the world about their hearing loss or their decision to wear hearing aids to treat it.
We talked with Lewis and John about hearing aid stigma and their experiences wearing Starkey hearing technology. Read what they had to say as we explore the biggest reasons why hearing aid stigma is unwarranted and—in the words of Lewis—“old school.”
Today’s hearing aids are sleek, discreet
Think about how you feel when you’re using your sharp new smartphone or turning the key to your dream car (even if it’s just for a test drive): Hearing aids, like the many cool innovations our days can’t go without, are now sleek, stylish, and seamless.
Gone are the bulky, skin-colored, ill-fitting instruments of the past: Starkey’s Edge AI and Signature Series hearing aids embody style, sophistication and personalization. While standard hearing aids are ultra sleek and subtle, custom hearing aids are even more inconspicuous because they are molded to fit inside your individual ear canal. Some customs are virtually invisible to the human eye, in fact.
Whichever hearing aid you choose—your hearing journey is your business.
And if you ask the Shark Tank celeb, he has no problem sharing his hearing experience—and hearing solution—with anyone. John proudly had his standard hearing aids customized to the color red in hopes of inviting (and normalizing) conversation about hearing technology.
“Edge AI hearing aids help me to hear crystal clear, and are sleek and discreet,” he said. “But I got mine in red to help show mine off and fight the stigma of hearing aids.”
Lewis also doesn’t have an issue with others spotting his standard hearing devices. But funny enough, they don’t.
“People don't notice (my hearing aids), oddly enough,” he said. “I don't care whether they do or not. But…if you're worried about whether people see them or not, most people don't.”
Hearing technology is the new techno-gadget
Hearing aids have assumed their position as a cool, wearable tech device—thanks to their ability to do much more than just amplify sound. If helping us hear sound more clearly and true-to-life wasn’t enough, Edge AI hearing aids give us much more control over our hearing in general. This includes the ability to easily turn up sounds we want to hear and diminish sounds we don’t.
Moreover, we can do everything from stream phone calls, music, and TV audio straight to our hearing aids, to actually using our devices as personal fitness trackers: We can count our steps, track our physical activity, and monitor our hearing and social engagement, simply by connecting Edge AI hearing aids with the My Starkey app.
This pairing also allows our hearing aids to sense if we fall and immediately notify the contacts of our choice—without us having to do anything.
This hearing technology has served John’s busy lifestyle well. “I’m always on the go, so I love how easy it is to control my Starkey hearing aids,” he said. “I can save hearing settings for places I frequent. I can stream calls to my devices, instantly. If noise becomes a problem, my Starkey’s get me the best sound without me doing a thing.”
“They're not just enhancing my hearing—they’re giving me a superpower,” John continued. “It’s like having a secret weapon in the boardroom. As an entrepreneur, hearing every detail, every whisper of the market—that’s how you stay ahead of the game. So, watch what you’re saying around me because in business, information is power, and I’m tuned in loud and clear.”
And let’s face it: From a visual perspective, today’s hearing aids even look techy. Many compare them to the ever-popular wireless earbuds, including Lewis.
“Everybody used to worry about how (hearing aids) look,” he said. “Nowadays, if you don't have two earbuds in your ear, you're not cool.”
Wellness is widespread—better hearing included
According to the World Health Organization, people are living longer. And if the continued growth of the wellness market is any indication, they are also being more proactive with their overall health—everything from joining exercise classes to wearing fitness trackers to eating healthy.
When we pair all of this with recent headlines raising awareness of the links between hearing loss and a higher risk of dementia, social isolation, and accidental injury, it’s a reasonable argument that people may be viewing hearing technology as less of an embarrassment and more as an asset for overall wellness.
For a start, hearing aids can help us maintain an active lifestyle. The ability to hear and communicate better makes it easier to engage with others and the world around us—all the more reason to get out, socialize, and maintain our connections to everyone and everything that matters to us.
John concurred, telling us, “Whether it’s in meetings, on call, at events, or while I’m traveling, my hearing aids keep me dialed in to everything and everyone around me—making sure I never miss a beat.”
Secondly, hearing technology helps us to be more physically active. Whether we’re exercising or gardening, hearing aids can lessen our chances of tripping or falling. After all, better hearing helps keep us more aware of our surroundings and can even improve our balance, according to research.
And not only does Edge AI allow us to track our fitness activity as mentioned earlier, but it also lets us set activity goals plus tap into encouraging insights based on our progress. Every step of the way.
Preserving quality of life is another reason hearing aid wearers like Lewis and John don’t shy away from hearing technology—stigma or not.
“Who cares about stigma? I mean, I’m trying to hear, you know?” laughed Lewis, who was diagnosed with Meniere’s disease, an inner ear condition that can impact balance and cause hearing loss. “Without my hearing aids, I’m lost.”
“Honestly, the first thing I recommend to anybody with hearing loss is hearing aids—Starkey hearing aids,” he said. “They take a bit of getting used to because stuff's going to sound a little different. But you can get used to it and, when you do, you can't live without them because it's way easier to hear things. It just makes life a lot better.”
Added John, “They’re not just about hearing—they’re about staying connected to your family, your friends, and your entire world. With my Starkey's, I’m fully immersed in every conversation and opportunity.”
Furthermore, wearing hearing aids has also given John an edge in life: “As an entrepreneur, I need to stay on top of my game, and these hearing aids give me the freedom to focus on what matters most—whether I’m in the boardroom or at home with my loved ones.”
“Embarrassed to rock hearing aids? H--- no,” he said. “When I break down all the ways my Starkey’s boost my game, people want to know where they can get a pair.”
Ready to say goodbye to stigma—and hello to your best life?
Reach out to a licensed hearing care professional. Simply reach out to schedule an appointment with a local hearing professional who will evaluate your hearing and help you find the best solution for your individual needs.