Having to go to the ER can cost you time off work, and also personal pain. What if you could prevent ER trips and dramatically decrease your chances of depression, anxiety, and even dementia.
Using your hearing aid can be the difference between having an active healthy life and taking lots of trips to the ER, according to some new research.
The Research
Participants between the ages of 65 and 85 participated in a University of Michigan study. Extreme hearing loss was a common condition between them. But only 45% of the participants wore their hearing aids on a regular basis.
Other researchers have also revealed that hearing aids were worn regularly by only 30% of individuals who had them.
12 fewer, of the 585 people who did use their hearing aid, had Er visits or unplanned hospitalizations.
This might not seem like a very big number. But it’s statistically substantial.
And there’s more. They also discovered that one day fewer, on average, was spent in the hospital for people who wore their hearing aids. 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 Reduce The Need For Emergency Care Visits?
First for the obvious one. You wouldn’t be as likely to need emergency care if you were keeping up on your health.
Other studies have revealed that when individuals with hearing loss wear their hearing aids, they stay more connected to family, friends, and the community. This can result in both a greater drive to show up for that doctor’s appointment and better access to services and help to get to appointments.
For those bringing themselves, it means that they can drive more safely with less stress about what they’re not hearing.
One study carried out in the U.S. revealed that depression is twice as likely in individuals who don’t use their hearing aid. Health concerns linked to lack of self care is frequently an outcome of depression.
Risks of falling and dementia are, as outlined by numerous studies, also decreased by using your hearing aids. The part of the brain that’s used for hearing will begin to decline from lack of use as hearing declines. The rest of the brain is eventually affected. The disorientation related to falls and symptoms of dementia are frequently the result.
Falls are one of the leading causes of death among people over 65, and the resulting hospital stays last two times as long.
Hearing aids reduce visits to the ER for these reasons amongst others.
Why do so Many People Neglect Wearing Hearing Aids?
There’s truly no good reason.
Fear of looking old is one leading reason why some people don’t use their hearing aids. 25% of people over 65 and 50% of people above the age of 75 have hearing loss and yet this notion of looking old with hearing aids remains. Hearing loss isn’t unusual. It happens to lots of people. And thanks to the rise in noise pollution and earbud usage, hearing loss is increasing with people in their twenties.
It’s ironic that when someone is always asking people what they said it actually makes them appear older.
Some individuals reference the costs of hearing aids. However, the price of hearing aids has come down in just the last few years, and there are financing options available.
Some individuals don’t like how hearing aids sound. This can typically 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 require a number of attempts.
Schedule an appointment with your hearing specialist so we can help you feel more secure wearing your hearing aids.
