Having to go to the ER can be personally and financially costly. What if you could minimize ER visits and dramatically reduce your chances of anxiety, depression, and even dementia.
Wearing your hearing aid can be the difference between living an engaged healthy life and taking lots of trips to the ER, according to some new studies.
The Research
This University of Michigan research assembled participants ranging from 65-85. Each had extreme loss of hearing. But out of all of those people who took part, only 45% of them used their hearing aids on a regular basis.
Other studies have also shown that hearing aids were worn regularly by only 30% of individuals who had them.
Of the 585 individuals in the hearing aid group, 12 fewer people found themselves in the ER or non-elective hospital stay.
This might seem like a moderate number. But statistically, this is substantial.
And there’s more. They also found that one day fewer, on average, was spent in the hospital for individuals who wore their hearing aids. They were more likely to show up for regular appointments with their doctors, which likely decreased their time in ER.
How Can Emergency Care Visits be Decreased by Wearing Hearing Aids?
The first one is obvious. You wouldn’t be as likely to need emergency care if you are keeping up on your health.
Other research has revealed that when people with hearing loss wear their hearing aids, they stay more connected to friends, family, and the community. When a person is socially involved they are usually more committed to keeping keep their appointments and also have more support from friends and family getting to the doctor.
For those bringing themselves, it means that they will be able to drive more safely with less stress about what they can’t hear.
Additionally, a U.S. study revealed that those with hearing loss who don’t wear their hearing aid are twice as likely to be depressed. Health issues linked to lack of self care is commonly an outcome of depression.
Risks of falling and dementia are, as outlined by various studies, also reduced by using your hearing aids. As a person begins to suffer from hearing impairment, the associated part of the brain begins to decline from lack of use. With time, this can spread through the brain. The disorientation associated with falls and symptoms of dementia are commonly the outcome.
Falls are one of the major causes of death among those over 65, and the consequent hospital stays last two times as long.
These are just a few of the reasons that hearing aids help decrease trips to the ER.
Why do so Many People Avoid Wearing Hearing Aids?
It’s difficult to come up with a valid excuse.
Fear of looking old is one major reason why some people don’t use their hearing aids. 25% of people 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 loss isn’t uncommon. It happens to many people. And due to the increase in noise pollution and earbud usage, hearing loss is increasing with people in their twenties.
It’s ironic that when someone is constantly asking people what they said it actually makes them seem older.
Cost is frequently mentioned as a worry. However, the price of hearing aids has come down in just the past few years, and there are financing options available.
Some people don’t like the way hearing aids sound. This can often be corrected by simply consulting 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.
If something is stopping you from using your hearing aid, it’s time to make an appointment with your hearing specialist.