Having to go 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 anxiety, depression, and even cognitive decline.
Using 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 Study
Participants between the ages of 65 and 85 participated in a University of Michigan study. Extreme hearing loss was a common problem between them. But only 45% of the participants used their hearing aids on a regular basis.
This is on par with similar studies which have revealed that only around 30% of individuals who have hearing aids actually use them.
12 fewer, of the 585 individuals who did wear their hearing aid, had Er visits or unplanned hospitalizations.
This may seem like a moderate number. But statistically, this is substantial.
And there’s more. They also found that those who wore their hearing aids spend, on average, one day fewer in the hospital. They were more likely to show up for regular appointments with their doctors, which likely decreased their time in ER.
How Might Hearing Aids Reduce The Need For ER Visits?
First for the obvious one. You wouldn’t be as likely to require emergency care if you are keeping up on your health.
Other studies have revealed that when individuals with hearing loss use their hearing aids, they stay more connected to friends, family, and the community. When a person is socially involved they are usually more committed to keeping keep their appointments and also have more help from friends and family getting to the doctor.
And driving is safer 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 individuals who don’t use their hearing aid. Depression can bring about a lack of self-care, which can lead to health concerns.
The danger of falling and dementia are, according to numerous studies, also reduced by using your hearing aids. The part of the brain that’s used for hearing will begin to decline from lack of use as hearing declines. The rest of the brain is ultimately impacted. The disorientation associated with falls and symptoms of dementia are often the result.
Long hospital stays often accompany falls and falling is a major cause of senior death.
Hearing aids decrease visits to the ER for these reasons amongst others.
Why do so Many People Neglect Wearing Hearing Aids?
It’s difficult to come up with a valid excuse.
Fear of looking old is one leading reason why some individuals don’t use their hearing aids. This notion remains despite the fact that around 25% of people over 65 have significant hearing loss, and 50% of those 75 and older have it. Hearing loss isn’t unusual. It’s common. Additionally, hearing loss is on the rise even with 20-year-olds because of earbuds and the rise in noise pollution.
Ironically, frequently asking people to repeat themselves often makes a person appear much older than they are.
Some people reference the costs of hearing aids. However, the price of hearing aids has come down in just the last few years, and there are ways to finance them.
Lastly, some don’t like the hearing experience with their hearing aid. In this case, your hearing specialist can help you recognize what settings work best in different situations. Hearing aids don’t always fit and sound perfect on the first fitting and sometimes need several attempts.
If something is preventing you from using your hearing aid, it’s time to make an appointment with your hearing specialist.
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