Having to visit the ER can be personally and financially costly. What if you could minimize your chances of accidents, falls, depression, anxiety, and even dementia while also eliminating trips to the ER.
Surfacing research makes the case that, for those with severe hearing loss, wearing their hearing aid could be the difference between staying connected and healthy and winding 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. Each had severe hearing loss. 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 found that hearing aids were worn regularly by only 30% of individuals who had them.
Of the 585 people in the group who did use their hearing aids, 12 fewer people found themselves in the ER or non-elective hospital stay.
This may seem like a moderate 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 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 Hearing Aids Minimize The Need For ER Visits?
First for the obvious one. If an individual is keeping up with their health, they’re more likely to stay out of ER.
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 connected they are normally more committed to keeping keep their appointments and also have more help from family and friends 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’re not hearing.
One study done in the U.S. revealed that depression is twice as likely in people who don’t wear their hearing aid. Health concerns linked to lack of self care is frequently an outcome of depression.
Thirdly, various studies have revealed that wearing your hearing aid can lessen fall risk and cognitive decline. As a person starts to lose their hearing, the corresponding region of the brain begins to decline from disuse. Over time, this can spread through the brain. As this happens, people frequently experience dementia symptoms as well as the disorientation and lack of balance connected with falls.
Long hospital stays often accompany falls and falling is a major cause of senior death.
These are only a few of the reasons that hearing aids help minimize ER visits.
Why do so Many Individuals Avoid Wearing Hearing Aids?
It’s difficult to come up with a legitimate excuse.
Some people don’t wear them because they think that hearing aids make them appear older than they are. This notion persists despite the fact that nearly 25% of individuals over 65 have substantial hearing loss, and 50% of those 75 and older have it. Hearing impairment isn’t rare. It happens to lots of people. Additionally, hearing loss is on the rise even among 20-year-olds because of earbuds and the rise in noise pollution.
It’s ironic that when someone is always asking people what they said it actually makes them seem older.
Cost is often cited as a concern. However, financing is available for hearing aids and prices have come down in the last few years.
Finally, some don’t like the hearing experience with their hearing aid. In this case, your hearing specialist can help you understand what settings work best in different circumstances. Hearing aids can require multiple fittings before they are just right.
If something is stopping you from wearing your hearing aid, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your hearing specialist.