Having to go to the ER can be financially and personally costly. What if you could minimize your chances of accidents, falls, anxiety, depression, and even dementia while also eliminating trips to the ER.
Emerging research makes the case that, for individuals with severe hearing loss, using their hearing aid could be the difference between staying connected and healthy and winding up spending many nights in the emergency room.
The Study
This University of Michigan research assembled participants ranging from 65-85. Serious hearing loss was a widespread problem between them. But only 45% of the participants used their hearing aids regularly.
This is on par with similar studies which have revealed that only about 30% of individuals who have hearing aids actually use them.
Of the 585 people in the hearing aid group, 12 fewer people ended up in the ER or non-elective hospital stay.
This may not seem like a very big number. But it’s statistically significant.
And there’s more. They also discovered that one day fewer, on average, was spent in the hospital for individuals who used their hearing aids. Their time at the ER was probably decreased because they were more likely to show up for their regular doctor’s appointments.
How Might Hearing Aids Minimize The Need For Emergency Care Visits?
The first one is obvious. If a person is keeping up with their health, they’re more likely to stay out of ER.
Other studies have shown that when individuals 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 support from family and friends getting to the doctor.
And driving is less dangerous when you can hear, so you will be more confident if you are bringing yourself to your appointment.
One study done in the U.S. revealed that depression is twice as likely in individuals who don’t wear their hearing aid. Health problems related to lack of self care is often an outcome of depression.
The third thing is, several studies have found that using your hearing aid can reduce fall risk and dementia. The region of the brain that’s used for hearing will start to decline from lack of use as hearing declines. With time, this can extend through the brain. As this happens, people frequently experience dementia symptoms and the disorientation and lack of balance associated with falls.
Falls are one of the major causes of death among individuals over 65, and the consequent hospital stays last twice as long.
These are just a few of the reasons that hearing aids help minimize trips to the ER.
Why do so Many People Avoid Wearing Hearing Aids?
It’s hard to come up with a legitimate excuse.
Some people don’t wear them because they think that hearing aids make them appear older than they are. 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 persists. Hearing impairment isn’t rare. It’s common. And thanks to the rise in noise pollution and earbud usage, hearing loss is on the rise among people in their twenties.
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 worry. However, the price of hearing aids has come down in just the last few years, and there are financing options available.
Lastly, some don’t like the hearing experience with their hearing aid. This can typically be fixed by simply consulting your hearing specialist to find out how to more successfully use your hearing aid in different settings. Hearing aids can require several fittings before they are just right.
Make an appointment with your hearing specialist so we can help you feel more secure wearing your hearing aids.