Having to go to the ER can be financially and personally costly. What if you could lessen your chances of falls, accidents, anxiety, depression, and even dementia while also eliminating trips to the ER.
Wearing your hearing aid can be the difference between having an engaged healthy life and taking many trips to the ER, according to some new studies.
The Research
Participants between the ages of 65 and 85 participated in a University of Michigan study. Each had extreme hearing loss. But out of all of those who participated, only 45% of them used their hearing aids regularly.
This is in agreement with comparable studies which have shown that only around 30% of individuals 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 seem like a small number. But statistically, this is substantial.
And that’s not all. They also determined that those who used their hearing aids spend, on average, one day fewer in the hospital. They were more likely to keep regular appointments with their doctors, which probably reduced their time in ER.
How Might Hearing Aids Reduce The Need For ER Visits?
The first one is obvious. If an individual is keeping up with their health, they’re more likely to stay away from ER.
Other studies have shown that when individuals with hearing loss wear their hearing aids, they stay more connected to family, friends, and the community. When a person is socially involved they are usually 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 have more confidence if you are getting yourself to your appointment.
One study conducted in the U.S. revealed that depression is two times as likely in people who don’t wear their hearing aid. Health issues related to lack of self care is often an outcome of depression.
The third thing is, several studies have shown that wearing your hearing aid can lessen fall risk and dementia. As a person begins to lose their hearing, the corresponding part of the brain starts to decline from lack of use. Over time, this can extend through the brain. The disorientation related to falls and symptoms of dementia are frequently the outcome.
Falls are one of the major causes of death among people over 65, and the resulting hospital stays last twice as long.
Hearing aids minimize visits to the ER for these reasons amongst others.
So Why is Wearing Hearing Aids Something That so Many Individuals Neglect?
It’s difficult to come up with a valid excuse.
Fear of appearing old is one leading reason why some individuals don’t wear their hearing aids. This notion remains despite the fact that nearly 25% of individuals over 65 have significant hearing loss, and 50% of those 75 and above have it. Hearing loss isn’t unusual. It happens to lots of people. And thanks to the increase 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 look older.
Price is often noted as a concern. However, hearing aids have become more affordable in just the past few years, and there are financing options available.
Lastly, some don’t like the hearing experience with their hearing aid. If this is a problem for you, your hearing specialist can help you understand what settings work best in different situations. Hearing aids don’t always fit and sound perfect on the first fitting and sometimes require a few attempts.
Schedule an appointment with your hearing specialist so we can help you feel more secure wearing your hearing aids.