Having to visit the ER can be personally and financially costly. What if you could lessen ER trips and significantly decrease your risk of anxiety, depression, and even dementia.
Using your hearing aid can be the difference between having an engaged healthy life and taking lots of trips to the ER, according to some new studies.
The Research
This University of Michigan research gathered participants which ranged from 65-85. Extreme hearing loss was a common problem between them. But only 45% of the participants wore their hearing aids regularly.
This is on par with similar studies which have found that only around 30% of people who have hearing aids actually use them.
Of the 585 people in the group who did use their hearing aids, 12 fewer people ended up in the ER or non-elective hospital stay.
This might seem like a moderate number. But statistically, this is substantial.
And there’s more. They also determined that those who wore 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 ER Visits be Decreased by Wearing Hearing Aids?
The first one is obvious. You would be less likely to require emergency care if you were keeping up on your health.
Other studies have shown that when people with hearing loss use their hearing aids, they stay more connected to family, friends, 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 bringing themselves, it means that they can drive more safely with less anxiety about what they can’t hear.
In addition, a U.S. study revealed that those with hearing loss who don’t use their hearing aid are two times as likely to be depressed. Depression can result in a lack of self-care, which can lead to health concerns.
The danger of falling and dementia are, as outlined by numerous studies, also decreased by wearing your hearing aids. As a person starts to lose their hearing, the associated part of the brain begins to decline from lack of use. Over time, this can spread through the brain. The disorientation related to falls and symptoms of dementia are frequently the outcome.
Long hospital stays often accompany falls and falling is a major cause of senior death.
Hearing aids decrease visits to the ER for these reasons amongst others.
So Why is Wearing Hearing Aids Something That so Many People Avoid?
There’s really no good reason.
Some people don’t wear them because they think that hearing aids make them appear older than they actually are. This perception persists despite the fact that around 25% of people over 65 have substantial hearing loss, and 50% of those 75 and older have it. Hearing loss is not uncommon. It’s common. Plus, hearing loss is increasing even with 20-year-olds thanks to earbuds and the rise in noise pollution.
It’s ironic that when someone is always asking people what they said it actually makes them seem older.
Cost is frequently noted as a concern. However, financing is available for hearing aids and prices have come down in the past few years.
Finally, 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 effectively use your hearing aid in various settings. Hearing aids don’t always fit and sound perfect on the first fitting and sometimes need a few tries.
Schedule an appointment with your hearing specialist so we can help you feel more secure wearing your hearing aids.