Having to visit the ER can be financially and personally costly. What if you could lessen ER visits and significantly decrease your risk of depression, anxiety, and even cognitive decline.
Emerging studies make the case that, for people with severe hearing loss, wearing their hearing aid could be the difference between staying involved and healthy and ending up spending many nights in the emergency room.
The Research
Participants between the ages of 65 and 85 participated in a University of Michigan study. Serious hearing loss was a widespread problem between them. But only 45% of the participants used their hearing aids on a regular basis.
Other researchers have also shown that hearing aids were worn regularly by only 30% of people who had them.
!2 fewer, of the 585 people who did use their hearing aid, had Er visits or unplanned hospitalizations.
This may not seem like a very big number. But statistically, this is significant.
And that’s not all. They also determined that those who used their hearing aids spend, on average, one fewer day in the hospital. They were more likely to show up for regular appointments with their doctors, which most likely decreased their time in ER.
How Might Hearing Aids Minimize The Need For Emergency Care 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 research has revealed that when individuals with hearing loss wear their hearing aids, they stay more connected to friends, family, and the community. When a person is socially involved they are normally more motivated to keep their appointments and also have more help from friends and family getting to the doctor.
For those bringing themselves, it means that they will be able to drive more safely with less stress about what they can’t hear.
Additionally, a U.S. study found that individuals with hearing loss who don’t use their hearing aid are two times as likely to be depressed. Health problems linked to lack of self care is frequently an outcome of depression.
Thirdly, several studies have revealed that using your hearing aid can minimize fall risk and dementia. The region of the brain that’s responsible for hearing will begin to decline from lack of use as hearing declines. The rest of the brain is eventually impacted. The disorientation related to falls and symptoms of dementia are commonly the outcome.
Falls are one of the major causes of death among individuals over 65, and the resulting hospitalizations last two times as long.
Hearing aids reduce visits to the ER for these reasons amongst others.
Why do so Many People Avoid Wearing Hearing Aids?
There’s truly no good reason.
Fear of looking old is one leading reason why some people 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 older have it. Hearing impairment isn’t rare. It’s common. Additionally, hearing loss is increasing even among 20-year-olds because of earbuds and the rise in noise pollution.
Ironically, frequently asking people to repeat themselves often makes a person seem much older than they are.
Some individuals cite the costs of hearing aids. However, hearing aids have become more affordable in just the last few years, and there are financing options available.
Some individuals don’t like how hearing aids sound. This can normally be fixed by simply working with your hearing specialist to find out how to more successfully use your hearing aid in various settings. Hearing aids don’t always fit and sound optimal on the first fitting and sometimes need several attempts.
If something is stopping you from using your hearing aid, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your hearing specialist.
