Final answer:
Hearing aids may be underused due to social stigma, cost and accessibility, and lack of awareness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hearing aids may be underused for a few reasons:
- Social stigma: Some individuals may feel self-conscious or embarrassed about wearing hearing aids, leading to underuse.
- Cost and accessibility: Hearing aids can be expensive, and not everyone has access to affordable options or insurance coverage.
- Lack of awareness: Some people may not be aware of the benefits of hearing aids or the impact of untreated hearing loss on their quality of life.