In 2018, a team from the University of Michigan studied a group of older adults who reported they had severe hearing loss to see if hearing aid use impacted how they use our health care system. Some in the group treated their hearing loss with hearing aids, while others did not.
Knowing that hearing aids can be a significant investment, the team was curious to find out if the cost of hearing aids was offset by fewer hospital visits or healthcare expenses.
In addition to finding that those in the group who had hearing aids were less likely to have gone to the hospital or emergency room the year prior to the survey, those who had hearing aids were also “less likely to have chronic illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure.”
The study didn’t dig into why illnesses like diabetes and high-blood pressure were more reported in those who didn’t wear hearing aids, but speculated that it’s likely because hearing aids enable wearers to live more active and engaged lives, which typically results in a more healthy life, especially for seniors.
It’s just one more good reason — in a list of many, many, many good reasons – why treating hearing loss beats ignoring loss every time.
If you have hearing loss and want to talk to someone about treating it, we can help. Simply click here and type in your zip code. You’ll generate a list of local hearing professionals and audiologists who you can contact to ensure you’re always hearing and living your best.
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