Having to visit the ER can be personally and financially costly. What if you could minimize your chances of falls, accidents, anxiety, depression, and even dementia while also preventing visits to the ER.
Surfacing studies make the case that, for individuals with serious hearing loss, using their hearing aid could be the difference between staying connected and healthy and ending up spending many nights in the emergency room.
The Study
Participants between the ages of 65 and 85 participated in a University of Michigan study. Severe hearing loss was a widespread condition between them. But only 45% of the participants wore their hearing aids on a regular basis.
Other studies have also revealed that hearing aids were used regularly by only 30% of people who had them.
12 fewer, of the 585 individuals who did wear their hearing aid, had Er visits or unplanned hospitalizations.
This may seem like a small number. But it’s statistically significant.
And that’s not all. They also found that one day fewer, on average, was spent in the hospital for people who wore their hearing aids. Their time at the ER was probably reduced because they were more likely to show up for their regular doctor’s appointments.
How Can Emergency Care Visits be Reduced by Wearing Hearing Aids?
First for the obvious one. If an individual is keeping up with their health, they’re more likely to stay away from ER.
Also, people who wear their hearing aids stay more socially engaged. When a person is socially involved 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 less dangerous when you can hear, so you will have more confidence if you are bringing yourself to your appointment.
One study conducted in the U.S. revealed that depression is twice as likely in people who don’t wear their hearing aid. Depression can result in a lack of self-care, which can lead to health problems.
The danger of falling and dementia are, as outlined by various studies, also decreased by wearing your hearing aids. As a person starts to suffer from hearing impairment, the corresponding region of the brain begins to decline from disuse. Over 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 leading causes of death among individuals over 65, and the resulting hospitalizations last two times 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 Individuals Neglect?
It’s difficult to come up with a valid excuse.
Fear of appearing old is one major reason why some individuals don’t wear their hearing aids. 25% of people 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’s common. 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.
Cost is often cited 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 like the hearing experience with their hearing aid. In this case, your hearing specialist can help you recognize what settings work best in different circumstances. Hearing aids don’t always fit and sound perfect on the first fitting and sometimes require a few attempts.
Make an appointment with your hearing specialist so we can help you feel more secure wearing your hearing aids.