Having to visit the ER can be personally and financially costly. What if you could minimize ER trips and significantly decrease your chances of anxiety, depression, and even cognitive decline.
Emerging research makes the case that, for those with severe hearing loss, wearing their hearing aid could be the difference between staying connected and healthy and ending up spending many nights in the emergency room.
The Research
Participants from 65 to 85 participated in a University of Michigan study. Severe hearing loss was a widespread problem between them. But only 45% of the participants used their hearing aids regularly.
This is in agreement with similar studies which have shown that only around 30% of people who have hearing aids actually wear them.
12 fewer, of the 585 people who did wear their hearing aid, had Er visits or unplanned hospitalizations.
This may seem like a small number. But it’s statistically significant.
And that’s not all. They also discovered that those who used their hearing aids spend, on average, one fewer day in the hospital. Their time at the ER was probably decreased because they were more likely to keep their regular doctor’s appointments.
How Can Hearing Aids Reduce 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 out of ER.
Also, individuals who use their hearing aids remain more socially engaged. This can lead to both a greater drive to keep that doctor’s appointment and better access to services and support to get to appointments.
And driving is safer when you can hear, so you will have more confidence if you are getting yourself to your appointment.
One study conducted in the U.S. revealed that depression is two times as likely in individuals who don’t wear their hearing aid. Health concerns related to lack of self care is commonly an outcome of depression.
Thirdly, several studies have revealed that using your hearing aid can lessen fall risk and cognitive decline. The part of the brain that’s used for hearing will start to decline from lack of use as hearing declines. Over time, this can extend through the brain. The disorientation associated with falls and symptoms of dementia are frequently the result.
Falls are one of the major causes of death among those over 65, and the consequent hospital stays last twice as long.
These are just a few of the reasons that hearing aids help decrease ER visits.
So Why is Wearing Hearing Aids Something That so Many People Neglect?
It’s hard to come up with a legitimate excuse.
Fear of looking old is one leading reason why some individuals don’t use their hearing aids. This notion remains in spite of the fact that around 25% of individuals over 65 have substantial hearing loss, and 50% of those 75 and above have it. Hearing loss is not unusual. It’s common. And thanks to the rise in noise pollution and earbud usage, hearing loss is increasing among people in their twenties.
It’s ironic that when someone is always asking people what they said it actually makes them look older.
Some people reference the price of hearing aids. However, hearing aids have become more affordable in just the past few years, and there are ways to finance them.
Finally, some don’t like the hearing experience with their hearing aid. This can normally be corrected by simply working with your hearing specialist to learn how to more successfully use your hearing aid in different settings. Hearing aids can require numerous fittings before they are just right.
If something is stopping you from wearing your hearing aid, it’s time to make an appointment with your hearing specialist.
