The correlation between hearing loss and dementia. OTC hearing aids and the lack of national healthcare.

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The National Institute of Health reports that about 30 million U.S. adults could benefit from using a hearing aid. Among adults aged 70 and older with hearing loss who could benefit from hearing aids, fewer than one in three (30 percent) has ever used them. Adults aged 20 to 69 - approximately 16 percent) who could benefit from wearing hearing aids have ever used them.

As a 74 year old with moderate to severe hearing loss and who actually wears hearing aids, I have a theory about why this is so.

For whatever reason, the current hearing aid technology sucks.

Prescription hearing aids are expensive and not covered by Medicare.

Some believe that the new federal law allowing lower-priced over the counter hearing aids can help.

I think they can.

But without a prescription, they won’t be covered by most insurance.

The cost of up to $1000 dollars or more still puts them out of reach of those without financial means.

My prescription hearing aids require repair to one of them nearly every six to eight weeks, requiring me to buy an extended service warranty.

Still, OTC hearing aids may help some and that is becoming even more important as there is a growing body research suggesting a relationship between hearing loss and dementia.

Medicare does not cover us for our hearing, vision and dental needs needs.

Medical costs are rising along with the cost most everything else.

But not only should hearing, dental and vision be covered by Medicare, nobody of any age or work status should have to go with these medical needs unmet because of cost.

The Affordable Care Act has not solved this problem.

Only national healthcare available to all can deal with this.