This One Little Thing Can Decrease Visits to ER

Untreated hearing loss leads to increased visits to the emergency room.

Having to go to the ER can cost you time off work, not to mention personal pain. What if you could reduce your risk of falls, accidents, depression, anxiety, and even dementia while also preventing trips to the ER.

Surfacing studies make the case that, for individuals with serious hearing loss, wearing their hearing aid could be the difference between staying involved and healthy and winding up spending many evenings in the emergency room.

The Study

Participants between the ages of 65 and 85 participated in a University of Michigan study. Severe hearing loss was a widespread condition between them. But out of all of those people who participated, only 45% of them used their hearing aids on a regular basis.

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 ended up in the ER or non-elective hospital stay.

This might not seem like a very large number. But it’s statistically substantial.

And that’s not all. They also discovered that those who used their hearing aids spend, on average, one day fewer in the hospital. 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 Reduce The Need For Emergency Care Visits?

First for the obvious one. You would be less likely to need emergency care if you are paying attention to your health.

Other research has revealed that when people with hearing loss wear their hearing aids, they stay more connected to friends, family, and the community. This can bring about both a greater motivation to keep 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. found that depression is two times as likely in individuals who don’t use their hearing aid. Depression can result in a lack of self-care, which can lead to health concerns.

Thirdly, several studies have shown that using your hearing aid can lessen fall risk and cognitive decline. The part 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 outcome.

Long hospital stays often accompany falls and falling is a leading cause of senior death.

These are only a few of the reasons that hearing aids help reduce ER visits.

Why do so Many People Avoid Wearing Hearing Aids?

It’s hard to come up with a legitimate excuse.

Fear of appearing old is one leading reason why some individuals don’t use their hearing aids. This notion remains in spite of the fact that nearly 25% of individuals over 65 have significant hearing loss, and 50% of those 75 and above have it. Hearing loss is not uncommon. It happens to lots of people. And due to the rise in noise pollution and earbud usage, hearing loss is increasing with people in their twenties.

It’s ironic that when someone is always asking people what they said it actually makes them appear older.

Some people cite the costs of hearing aids. However, hearing aids have become more affordable in just the last few years, and there are ways to finance them.

Some individuals don’t like how hearing aids sound. This can often be fixed by simply working with your hearing specialist to find out how to more successfully use your hearing aid in various settings. Hearing aids don’t always fit and sound optimal on the first fitting and sometimes require a number of attempts.

If something is preventing you from using your hearing aid, it’s time to make an appointment with your hearing specialist.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.