Having to go to the ER can cost you time off work, and also personal pain. What if you could minimize ER trips and substantially reduce your chances of anxiety, depression, and even cognitive decline.
Surfacing research makes the case that, for individuals with serious hearing loss, using their hearing aid could be the difference between staying connected and healthy and ending up spending many evenings in the emergency room.
The Research
Participants between the ages of 65 and 85 participated in a University of Michigan study. Severe hearing loss was a common condition between them. But only 45% of the participants used their hearing aids regularly.
Other studies have also shown that hearing aids were worn regularly by only 30% of people who had them.
12 fewer, of the 585 people who did use their hearing aid, had Er visits or unplanned hospitalizations.
This may seem like a moderate number. But statistically, this is significant.
And there’s more. They also discovered that one day fewer, on average, was spent in the hospital for individuals who wore their hearing aids. They were more likely to show up for regular appointments with their doctors, which probably reduced their time in ER.
How Might Hearing Aids Reduce The Need For ER Visits?
First for the obvious one. If an individual is staying on top of their health, they’re more likely to stay away from ER.
Also, individuals who wear their hearing aids remain more socially active. This can result in both a greater motivation to show up for that doctor’s appointment and better access to services and assistance to get to appointments.
And driving is safer when you can hear, so you will have more confidence if you are bringing yourself to your appointment.
Additionally, a U.S. study revealed that people with hearing loss who don’t use their hearing aid are twice as likely to be depressed. Health issues linked to lack of self care is frequently an outcome of depression.
Thirdly, numerous studies have shown that using your hearing aid can decrease fall risk and dementia. The region of the brain that’s used for hearing will begin to decline from lack of use as hearing declines. With time, this can spread through the brain. The disorientation related to falls and symptoms of dementia are commonly the outcome.
Falls are one of the major causes of death among people over 65, and the consequent hospitalizations last twice as long.
Hearing aids minimize visits to the ER for these reasons amongst others.
So Why is Wearing Hearing Aids Something That so Many Individuals Neglect?
It’s hard to come up with a legitimate excuse.
Fear of appearing old is one major reason why some people don’t use their hearing aids. This perception persists in spite of the fact that around 25% of people over 65 have substantial hearing loss, and 50% of those 75 and older have it. Hearing impairment isn’t rare. It happens to lots of people. Plus, hearing loss is on the rise even among 20-year-olds because of earbuds and the increase in noise pollution.
Ironically, constantly asking people to repeat themselves often makes a person appear a lot older than they are.
Some people reference the costs of hearing aids. However, financing is available for hearing aids and costs have come down in the past few years.
Lastly, some don’t enjoy the hearing experience with their hearing aid. This can normally be corrected by simply consulting your hearing specialist to find out how to more successfully use your hearing aid in various settings. Hearing aids sometimes need numerous fittings before they are just right.
Schedule an appointment with your hearing specialist so we can help you feel more secure wearing your hearing aids.