A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found a correlation between hearing aid use and the frequency of emergency visits and hospitalizations.
After reviewing data from over 1300 Medicare beneficiaries with hearing loss, the researchers determined that those who wore hearing aids had shorter length of stays when admitted to the hospital and were less likely to need emergency room services than those who did not wear hearing aids. In fact, visits to the emergency room and hospitalization were reduced by two percentage points for those who wore hearing aids.
Why the correlation? It is believed that those who wear hearing aids are better able to communicate with their physicians and to have a more active lifestyle compared to those who do not use hearing aids. Thus, patients are better able to understand their health conditions and manage them appropriately.
Do you find that it is difficult to understand what your doctors are saying at your appointments? Have you started going out less and becoming more isolated because it is too hard to keep up with the conversations? You may be showing signs of age-related related hearing loss. The good news is that it is never too late to hear well again! Please call us to see how we can help.