Having to go to the ER can be personally and financially costly. What if you could prevent ER trips and substantially reduce your risk of depression, anxiety, and even cognitive decline.
Using your hearing aid can be the difference between having an engaged healthy life and taking lots of trips to the ER, according to some new research.
The Research
Participants from 65 to 85 participated in a University of Michigan study. Severe hearing loss was a common problem 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 comparable studies which have shown 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 might not seem like a very large 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 reduced because they were more likely to show up for their regular doctor’s appointments.
How Might Hearing Aids Minimize The Need For ER Visits?
First for the obvious one. If a person is keeping up with their health, they’re more likely to stay away from ER.
Also, people who use their hearing aids remain more socially active. When a person is socially connected they are usually more motivated to keep their appointments and also have more help from friends and family 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 carried out in the U.S. found that depression is two times as likely in individuals who don’t wear their hearing aid. Health concerns linked to lack of self care is commonly an outcome of depression.
Risks of falling and dementia are, according to various studies, also reduced by using your hearing aids. As a person begins to lose their hearing, the associated region of the brain starts to decline from disuse. With time, this can extend through the brain. As this happens, people frequently experience dementia symptoms and the disorientation and lack of balance connected with falls.
Long hospital stays frequently accompany falls and falling is a major cause of senior death.
Hearing aids minimize visits to the ER for these reasons amongst others.
So Why is Wearing Hearing Aids Something That so Many People Avoid?
There’s really no good reason.
Fear of looking old is one major reason why some individuals don’t use their hearing aids. This notion persists in spite of the fact that around 25% of individuals over 65 have significant hearing loss, and 50% of those 75 and above have it. Hearing loss is not uncommon. It’s common. And due to the increase in noise pollution and earbud usage, hearing loss is on the rise with people in their twenties.
It’s ironic that when someone is constantly asking people what they said it actually makes them look older.
Cost is often mentioned as a worry. However, the price of hearing aids has come down in just the last few years, and there are ways to finance them.
Finally, some don’t enjoy the hearing experience with their hearing aid. This can normally be corrected by simply working with your hearing specialist to learn how to more successfully use your hearing aid in different settings. 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 secure wearing your hearing aids.