Trips to the ER cause you to miss work, not to mention personal pain. What if you could reduce your chances of falls, accidents, depression, anxiety, and even dementia while also eliminating visits to the ER.
Emerging studies make the case that, for those with severe 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
This University of Michigan research assembled participants that ranged from 65-85. Severe hearing loss was a common condition between them. But out of all of those who took part, only 45% of them used their hearing aids on a regular basis.
Other studies have also revealed that hearing aids were worn regularly by only 30% of people 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 small number. But statistically, this is significant.
And that’s not all. They also determined that those who used their hearing aids spend, on average, one fewer day in the hospital. They were more likely to keep regular appointments with their doctors, which probably reduced their time in ER.
How Can Hearing Aids Minimize The Need For Emergency Care Visits?
The first one is obvious. You would be less likely to need emergency care if you were keeping up on your health.
Other studies have shown that when individuals with hearing loss use their hearing aids, they stay more connected to family, friends, and the community. This can bring about both a greater motivation to keep that doctor’s appointment and better access to services and support to get to appointments.
And driving is less dangerous when you can hear, so you will be more confident if you are getting yourself to your appointment.
One study conducted in the U.S. revealed that depression is two times as likely in people who don’t use their hearing aid. Depression can result in a lack of self-care, which can lead to health issues.
Thirdly, numerous studies have found that using your hearing aid can minimize fall risk and dementia. The part of the brain that’s responsible for hearing will begin to decline from lack of use as hearing declines. The rest of the brain is ultimately affected. As this occurs, people commonly experience dementia symptoms as well as the disorientation and lack of balance connected with falls.
Falls are one of the major causes of death among those over 65, and the resulting hospital stays last two times as long.
Hearing aids minimize visits to the ER for these reasons amongst others.
Why do so Many People Neglect Wearing Hearing Aids?
It’s hard to come up with a valid excuse.
Some don’t use them because they think that hearing aids make them seem older than they are. 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. Plus, hearing loss is increasing even with 20-year-olds thanks to earbuds and the increase in noise pollution.
Ironically, constantly asking people to repeat what they said often makes a person seem a lot older than they are.
Some individuals cite the price of hearing aids. However, financing is possible for hearing aids and prices have come down in the past few years.
Some individuals don’t like how hearing aids sound. In this case, your hearing specialist can help you recognize what settings work best in different circumstances. Hearing aids sometimes need numerous 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.