Having to go to the ER can be financially and personally costly. What if you could lessen ER trips and substantially decrease your chances of depression, anxiety, and even dementia.
Surfacing research makes the case that, for individuals with serious hearing loss, wearing 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 from 65 to 85 participated in a University of Michigan study. Severe hearing loss was a common condition between them. But out of all of those who took part, only 45% of them used their hearing aids on a regular basis.
This is on par with similar studies which have revealed that only about 30% of people who have hearing aids actually wear them.
12 fewer, of the 585 individuals who did use their hearing aid, had Er visits or unplanned hospitalizations.
This might seem like a moderate number. But statistically, this is substantial.
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 keep regular appointments with their doctors, which probably reduced their time in ER.
How Can Hearing Aids Decrease The Need For ER Visits?
The first one is obvious. If a person is staying on top of their health, they’re more likely to stay away from ER.
Other research has shown that when individuals with hearing loss use their hearing aids, they stay more connected to family, friends, and the community. This can lead to both a stronger motivation to show up for that doctor’s appointment and better access to services and support to get to appointments.
And driving is less dangerous when you can hear, so you will be more confident if you are getting yourself to your appointment.
In addition, a U.S. study found that people 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 issues.
The third thing is, numerous studies have revealed that using your hearing aid can decrease the risk of falling and dementia. The region of the brain that’s responsible for hearing will begin to decline from lack of use as hearing declines. Over time, this can extend through the brain. The disorientation related to falls and symptoms of dementia are commonly the result.
Long hospital stays often accompany falls and falling is a major cause of senior death.
These are only a few of the reasons that hearing aids help reduce ER visits.
Why do so Many People Neglect Wearing Hearing Aids?
It’s hard to come up with a valid excuse.
Some don’t wear them because they think that hearing aids make them appear older than they are. This notion remains despite the fact that nearly 25% of individuals over 65 have significant hearing loss, and 50% of those 75 and older have it. Hearing impairment isn’t rare. It happens to many people. Additionally, hearing loss is increasing even with 20-year-olds thanks to earbuds and the increase in noise pollution.
It’s ironic that when someone is always asking people what they said it actually makes them appear older.
Price is often mentioned as a concern. However, financing is available for hearing aids and prices have come down in the last few years.
Finally, some don’t like the hearing experience with their hearing aid. This can often be corrected by simply consulting 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 require a few attempts.
Schedule an appointment with your hearing specialist so we can help you feel more secure wearing your hearing aids.