Having to go to the ER can be personally and financially costly. What if you could reduce your chances of falls, accidents, depression, anxiety, and even dementia while also eliminating trips to the ER.
Emerging studies make 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 nights in the emergency room.
The Research
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 participated, only 45% of them used their hearing aids regularly.
Other researchers have also revealed that hearing aids were worn regularly by only 30% of individuals who had them.
!2 fewer, of the 585 individuals who did use their hearing aid, had Er visits or unplanned hospitalizations.
This may not seem like a very big number. But statistically, this is significant.
And that’s not all. They also discovered that one day fewer, on average, was spent in the hospital for those who used their hearing aids. Their time at the ER was probably decreased because they were more likely to keep their regular doctor’s appointments.
How Can ER Visits be Reduced by Wearing Hearing Aids?
The first one is obvious. 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 usually more motivated to keep their appointments and also have more help from friends and family getting to the doctor.
And driving is safer when you can hear, so you will have more confidence if you are bringing yourself to your appointment.
In addition, a U.S. study revealed that those with hearing loss who don’t wear their hearing aid are two times as likely to be depressed. Health issues related to lack of self care is frequently an outcome of depression.
The danger of falling and dementia are, as outlined by numerous studies, also decreased by wearing your hearing aids. The part of the brain that’s used for hearing will start 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 outcome.
Falls are one of the leading causes of death among people over 65, and the resulting hospitalizations last two times as long.
These are just a few of the reasons that hearing aids help minimize ER visits.
Why do so Many People Neglect Wearing Hearing Aids?
There’s really no good reason.
Fear of looking old is one major reason why some individuals 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 notion of looking old with hearing aids persists. Hearing impairment isn’t rare. It’s common. Additionally, hearing loss is increasing even among 20-year-olds because of earbuds and the increase in noise pollution.
Ironically, constantly asking people to repeat themselves often makes a person appear much older than they are.
Some people cite the costs of hearing aids. However, financing is available for hearing aids and prices have come down in the last few years.
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 recognize what settings work best in different situations. Hearing aids sometimes need several fittings before they are just right.
If something is preventing you from wearing your hearing aid, it’s time to make an appointment with your hearing specialist.
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