Trips to the ER can cost you time off work, and also personal pain. What if you could minimize your chances of falls, accidents, depression, anxiety, and even dementia while also eliminating visits to the ER.
Surfacing research makes the case that, for individuals with serious hearing loss, using their hearing aid could be the difference between staying involved 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 around 30% of people who have hearing aids actually wear them.
Of the 585 individuals in the hearing aid group, 12 fewer people found themselves in the ER or non-elective hospital stay.
This may not seem like a very big number. But statistically, this is significant.
And that’s not all. They also found that those who used their hearing aids spend, on average, one day fewer in the hospital. Their time at the ER was probably reduced because they were more likely to keep their regular doctor’s appointments.
How Can Emergency Care Visits be Decreased by Wearing Hearing Aids?
The first one is obvious. You would be less likely to need emergency care if you are paying attention to your health.
Other studies have revealed 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 connected they are normally more motivated to keep their appointments and also have more help from family and friends getting to the doctor.
And driving is safer when you can hear, so you will be more confident if you are getting yourself to your appointment.
Additionally, a U.S. study found that those 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 concerns.
Risks of falling and dementia are, according to various studies, also decreased by wearing your hearing aids. The region of the brain that’s used for hearing will start to decline from lack of use as hearing declines. The rest of the brain is ultimately affected. The disorientation associated with falls and symptoms of dementia are commonly the result.
Falls are one of the leading causes of death among individuals over 65, and the consequent hospitalizations last twice as long.
These are just a few of the reasons that hearing aids help minimize trips to the ER.
So Why is Wearing Hearing Aids Something That so Many People Avoid?
There’s really no good reason.
Fear of appearing old is one major reason why some individuals don’t wear their hearing aids. This notion remains in spite of the fact that about 25% of people over 65 have substantial hearing loss, and 50% of those 75 and older have it. Hearing impairment isn’t rare. It happens to lots of people. Additionally, hearing loss is increasing even with 20-year-olds thanks to earbuds and the increase in noise pollution.
Ironically, frequently asking people to repeat what they said often makes a person appear a lot older than they are.
Some individuals cite the price 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. If this is a problem for you, your hearing specialist can help you understand what settings work best in different circumstances. Hearing aids don’t always fit and sound optimal on the first fitting and sometimes require several attempts.
Schedule an appointment with your hearing specialist so we can help you feel more secure wearing your hearing aids.