Tom is getting a new knee and he’s really jazzed! Look, as you grow older, the types of things you look forward to change. He will be capable of moving around more easily and will have less pain with his new knee. So the surgery is successful and Tom heads home.
That’s when things take a turn.
The knee doesn’t heal as well as it should. Tom ends up back in the hospital with an infection and will need another surgery. It’s becoming less thrilling for Tom by the minute. The nurses and doctors have come to the conclusion that Tom wasn’t following their advice and guidelines for recovery.
Tom didn’t purposely deviate from the guidelines. Tom actually never even heard the instructions. It just so happens that there is a solid connection between hospital visits and hearing loss, so Tom isn’t alone.
More hospital visits can be the outcome of hearing loss
At this point, you’re probably acquainted with the typical disadvantages of hearing loss: you have the tendency to socially isolate yourself, causing you to become more distant from friends and loved ones, and you raise your risk of developing cognitive decline. But there can be additional, less obvious disadvantages to hearing loss, too, some of which we’re just beginning to truly understand.
One of those relationships that’s becoming more evident is that hearing loss can lead to an increase in emergency room visits. One study found that people with hearing loss have a 17% greater danger of needing a trip to the emergency room and a 44% increased risk of readmission later.
Is there a link?
This might be the situation for a couple of reasons.
- Once you’re in the hospital, your possibility of readmission increases substantially. But when you’re discharged and go home for a time but then have to go back to the hospital, readmission happens. Complications sometimes happen that result in this readmission. In other instances, readmission might be the outcome of a new problem, or because the initial problem wasn’t properly addressed.
- Neglected hearing loss can negatively affect your situational awareness. If you aren’t aware of your surroundings, you may be more likely to have a car accident or stub your toe. Obviously, you could end up in the hospital due to this.
Chances of readmission is increased
So why are those with untreated hearing loss more likely to be readmitted to the hospital? There are a couple of reasons for this:
- When your nurses and doctors give you guidelines you may not hear them very well because of your neglected hearing loss. You won’t be able to effectively do your physical therapy, for instance, if you fail to hear the guidelines from your physical therapist. Whether you’re still in the hospital or at home, your recovery time could be greatly increased.
- If you can’t hear your recovery instructions, you won’t know how to care for yourself as you recover at home. You have a higher likelihood of reinjuring yourself if you don’t even know that you didn’t hear the instructions.
Let’s say, for example, you’ve recently undergone surgery to replace your knee. Maybe you’re not supposed to take a shower for three weeks but you thought your doctor said three days. Now your wound is in danger of getting a severe infection (one that could put you back at the hospital).
Keeping track of your hearing aids
The answer may seem straight-forward at first glance: just use your hearing aids! Regrettably, hearing loss usually advances very gradually, and people with hearing loss might not always realize they are experiencing symptoms. Coming in to see us for a hearing test is the solution here.
Even if you do have a set of hearing aids (and you should), there’s another complication: you could lose them. Hospital visits are usually rather chaotic. So the possibility of losing your hearing aid is definitely present. Knowing how to handle hearing aids during a hospital stay can help you remain engaged in your care.
Tips for taking your hearing aids with you during a hospital stay
Knowing how to get ready for a hospital stay when you’re dealing with hearing loss can prevent lots of headaches (and other discomfort) in the future. Here are a number of basic things you can do:
- Be mindful of your battery power. Bring spares if you need them and charge your hearing aids when you can.
- In a hospital setting, you should always advocate for yourself and ask your loved ones to advocate for you.
- Wear your hearing aids when you can, and put them in their case when you’re not using them.
- Communicate to hospital staff about your hearing loss. Miscommunication will be less likely if they are well informed about your situation.
- Don’t forget to bring your case. Using a case for your hearing aid is very important. This will make them a lot easier to keep track of.
The trick here is to communicate with the hospital at every stage. Your doctors and nurses need to be told about your hearing loss.
Hearing is a health concern
It’s important to understand that your hearing health and your general health are closely linked. After all your overall health can be considerably affected by your hearing. Hearing loss is like any other health issue in that it needs to be treated right away.
You don’t need to be like Tom. The next time you find yourself in the hospital, make sure your hearing aids are with you.