Having to go to the ER cause you to miss work, not to mention personal pain. What if you could lessen your chances of accidents, falls, depression, anxiety, and even dementia while also preventing visits to the ER.
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 research.
The Study
This University of Michigan research assembled participants ranging from 65-85. Each had severe hearing loss. But out of all of those who participated, only 45% of them wore their hearing aids regularly.
Other studies have also found that hearing aids were used regularly by only 30% of people who had them.
12 fewer, of the 585 individuals who did use their hearing aid, had Er visits or unplanned hospitalizations.
This might not seem like a very large number. But it’s statistically substantial.
And there’s more. They also found 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 decreased because they were more likely to show up for 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 require emergency care if you are keeping up on your health.
Also, individuals who wear their hearing aids remain more socially active. This can result in both a stronger drive to show up for that doctor’s appointment and better access to services and help to get to appointments.
For those driving themselves, it means that they will be able to drive more safely with less stress about what they can’t hear.
One study conducted in the U.S. revealed that depression is twice as likely in people who don’t wear their hearing aid. Depression can bring about a lack of self-care, which can lead to health issues.
Thirdly, numerous studies have shown that using your hearing aid can lessen fall risk and dementia. The region of the brain that’s used for hearing will begin to decline from lack of use as hearing declines. Over time, this can spread through the brain. 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 leading causes of death among people over 65, and the consequent hospitalizations last two times as long.
Hearing aids decrease visits to the ER for these reasons amongst others.
Why do so Many People Avoid Wearing Hearing Aids?
There’s truly no good reason.
Some people don’t use them because they think that hearing aids make them look older than they actually are. This notion remains despite the fact that around 25% of people over 65 have substantial hearing loss, and 50% of those 75 and above have it. Hearing loss is not 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.
Ironically, continuously asking people to repeat what they said often makes a person appear a lot older than they are.
Cost is frequently noted 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 normally be corrected by simply working with your hearing specialist to learn how to more effectively use your hearing aid in various settings. Hearing aids sometimes need several 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.