Trips to the ER cause you to miss work, not to mention personal pain. What if you could minimize ER visits and substantially reduce your risk of depression, anxiety, and even dementia.
Wearing your hearing aid can be the difference between having an active healthy life and taking many trips to the ER, according to some new studies.
The Research
This University of Michigan study assembled participants which ranged from 65-85. Each had significant loss of hearing. But only 45% of the participants wore their hearing aids on a regular basis.
Other researchers have also revealed that hearing aids were worn regularly by only 30% of people who had them.
12 fewer, of the 585 people who did use their hearing aid, had Er visits or unplanned hospitalizations.
This might seem like a small number. But statistically, this is substantial.
And there’s more. 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 reduced because they were more likely to keep their regular doctor’s appointments.
How Can Hearing Aids Minimize The Need For Emergency Care Visits?
First for the obvious one. You wouldn’t be as likely to need emergency care if you were keeping up on your health.
Other research has revealed that when people with hearing loss use their hearing aids, they stay more connected to family, friends, and the community. This can lead to both a greater drive to keep that doctor’s appointment and better access to services and assistance to get to appointments.
And driving is less dangerous when you can hear, so you will be more confident 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 twice as likely to be depressed. Health concerns related to lack of self care is often an outcome of depression.
Risks of falling and dementia are, as outlined by various studies, also decreased by using your hearing aids. The region of the brain that’s responsible for hearing will start to decline from lack of use as hearing declines. With time, this can extend through the brain. The disorientation associated with falls and symptoms of dementia are frequently the result.
Falls are one of the leading causes of death among those over 65, and the resulting hospital stays last twice as long.
Hearing aids reduce visits to the ER for these reasons amongst others.
Why do so Many People Neglect Wearing Hearing Aids?
There’s truly no good reason.
Some people don’t use them because they think that hearing aids make them appear older than they actually are. This perception remains in spite of the fact that around 25% of people 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. And due to the rise in noise pollution and earbud usage, hearing loss is increasing among people in their twenties.
Ironically, frequently asking people to repeat themselves often makes a person look a lot older than they are.
Price is often noted as a worry. However, hearing aids have become more affordable in just the past few years, and there are financing options available.
Lastly, some don’t enjoy 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 don’t always fit and sound optimal on the first fitting and sometimes need a few tries.
If something is preventing you from wearing your hearing aid, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your hearing specialist.