Having to go to the ER can be financially and personally costly. What if you could lessen ER trips and substantially reduce your chances of anxiety, depression, and even dementia.
Wearing your hearing aid can be the difference between living an engaged healthy life and taking lots of trips to the ER, according to some new research.
The Research
This University of Michigan study gathered participants ranging from 65-85. Serious hearing loss was a common condition between them. But out of all of those people who took part, only 45% of them wore their hearing aids on a regular basis.
Other studies have also demonstrated that hearing aids were used regularly by only 30% of people who had them.
12 fewer, of the 585 people who did wear their hearing aid, had Er visits or unplanned hospitalizations.
This might not seem like a very big number. But it’s statistically substantial.
And there’s more. They also discovered that one day fewer, on average, was spent in the hospital for individuals who used their hearing aids. Their time at the ER was probably reduced because they were more likely to show up for their regular doctor’s appointments.
How Might Hearing Aids Decrease The Need For ER Visits?
The first one is obvious. If an individual is staying on top of their health, they’re more likely to stay away from ER.
Other studies have revealed that when individuals with hearing loss use their hearing aids, they stay more connected to friends, family, and the community. When a person is socially involved they are normally more committed to keeping keep their appointments and also have more help from family and friends getting to the doctor.
For those driving themselves, it means that they can drive more safely with less stress about what they can’t hear.
Additionally, a U.S. study revealed that those with hearing loss who don’t use their hearing aid are twice as likely to be depressed. Depression can bring about a lack of self-care, which can lead to health concerns.
Thirdly, numerous studies have revealed that wearing your hearing aid can reduce fall risk and dementia. The region of the brain that’s used for hearing will start to decline from lack of use as hearing declines. With time, this can extend through the brain. The disorientation associated with falls and symptoms of dementia are commonly the outcome.
Long hospital stays frequently accompany falls and falling is a major cause of senior death.
Hearing aids minimize visits to the ER for these reasons amongst others.
Why do so Many Individuals Avoid Wearing Hearing Aids?
There’s truly no good reason.
Fear of looking old is one major reason why some individuals don’t wear their hearing aids. This perception remains in spite of the fact that around 25% of people over 65 have substantial hearing loss, and 50% of those 75 and above have it. Hearing impairment isn’t rare. It’s common. And due to the increase in noise pollution and earbud usage, hearing loss is on the rise among people in their twenties.
Ironically, frequently asking people to repeat themselves often makes a person seem much older than they are.
Some individuals cite the price of hearing aids. However, financing is available for hearing aids and prices have come down in the past few years.
Some individuals don’t like the way hearing aids sound. In this case, your hearing specialist can help you recognize what settings work best in different circumstances. Hearing aids don’t always fit and sound optimal on the first fitting and sometimes need a number of tries.
Make an appointment with your hearing specialist so we can help you feel more comfortable wearing your hearing aids.
