Having to visit the ER can be personally and financially costly. What if you could lessen your risk of accidents, falls, depression, anxiety, and even dementia while also preventing trips to the ER.
Emerging research makes the case that, for those with serious hearing loss, using their hearing aid could be the difference between staying connected and healthy and ending up spending many evenings in the emergency room.
The Study
Participants between the ages of 65 and 85 participated in a University of Michigan study. Serious hearing loss was a widespread problem between them. But out of all of those who took part, only 45% of them wore their hearing aids regularly.
This is in agreement with similar studies which have revealed that only about 30% of people who have hearing aids actually use them.
12 fewer, of the 585 people who did use their hearing aid, had Er visits or unplanned hospitalizations.
This may seem like a moderate number. But statistically, this is significant.
And there’s more. They also found that one day fewer, on average, was spent in the hospital for people who wore their hearing aids. They were more likely to keep regular appointments with their doctors, which most likely decreased their time in ER.
How Can Hearing Aids Minimize The Need For Emergency Care Visits?
The first one is obvious. If a person is staying on top of their health, they’re more likely to stay out of ER.
Also, people who wear their hearing aids stay more socially active. This can bring about both a stronger drive to keep that doctor’s appointment and better access to services and assistance to get to appointments.
And driving is safer when you can hear, so you will be more confident if you are bringing yourself to your appointment.
One study conducted in the U.S. found that depression is two times as likely in individuals who don’t use their hearing aid. Depression can result in a lack of self-care, which can lead to health problems.
The third thing is, numerous studies have shown that wearing your hearing aid can decrease fall risk and dementia. The region of the brain that’s used for hearing will begin to decline from lack of use as hearing declines. Over time, this can extend through the brain. The disorientation associated with falls and symptoms of dementia are commonly the result.
Long hospital stays often accompany falls and falling is a leading cause of senior death.
These are only 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 Neglect?
There’s really no good reason.
Fear of looking old is one major reason why some people don’t use their hearing aids. 25% of individuals over 65 and 50% of people above the age of 75 have hearing loss and yet this perception of looking old with hearing aids remains. Hearing impairment isn’t rare. It happens to many people. And due to the rise in noise pollution and earbud usage, hearing loss is on the rise with people in their twenties.
Ironically, continuously asking people to repeat what they said often makes a person seem much older than they are.
Price 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.
Finally, some don’t enjoy the hearing experience with their hearing aid. In this case, your hearing specialist can help you understand what settings work best in different circumstances. Hearing aids can require multiple fittings before they are just right.
Schedule an appointment with your hearing specialist so we can help you feel more comfortable wearing your hearing aids.