Trips to the ER cause you to miss work, and also personal pain. What if you could reduce your risk of accidents, falls, depression, anxiety, and even dementia while also eliminating trips to the ER.
Wearing your hearing aid can be the difference between having an active healthy life and taking lots of trips to the ER, according to some new research.
The Research
This University of Michigan study gathered participants which ranged from 65-85. Severe hearing loss was a common 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 used regularly by only 30% of individuals who had them.
Of the 585 people in the hearing aid group, 12 fewer people found themselves in the ER or non-elective hospital stay.
This may not seem like a very big number. But it’s statistically significant.
And that’s not all. 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 most likely decreased their time in ER.
How Can Emergency Care Visits be Decreased by Using 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.
Other studies have revealed that when people with hearing loss use their hearing aids, they stay more connected to family, friends, and the community. When a person is socially involved they are normally more motivated to keep their appointments and also have more support from family and friends 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 found that those with hearing loss who don’t use their hearing aid are two times as likely to be depressed. Depression can result in a lack of self-care, which can lead to health problems.
Risks of falling and dementia are, as outlined by various studies, also reduced by using 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 spread through the brain. The disorientation related to falls and symptoms of dementia are commonly the outcome.
Long hospital stays frequently accompany falls and falling is a major cause of senior death.
These are only a few of the reasons that hearing aids help decrease ER visits.
So Why is Wearing Hearing Aids Something That so Many Individuals Neglect?
It’s difficult to come up with a valid excuse.
Fear of appearing old is one leading reason why some individuals don’t wear their hearing aids. This perception remains despite the fact that about 25% of people over 65 have significant hearing loss, and 50% of those 75 and above have it. Hearing loss isn’t unusual. It’s common. And due to the increase in noise pollution and earbud usage, hearing loss is on the rise with people in their twenties.
It’s ironic that when someone is always asking people what they said it actually makes them seem older.
Some people cite the costs of hearing aids. However, hearing aids have become more affordable in just the past few years, and there are financing options available.
Some individuals don’t like the way hearing aids sound. In this case, your hearing specialist can help you recognize what settings work best in different situations. Hearing aids sometimes need 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.