Untreated hearing loss can negatively impact your health in a variety of ways. A recent study suggests it may increase the risk for post-surgical complications in older adults.
Study Shows Surgery Risk for Patients with Hearing Loss
Researchers wanted to see whether older patients with hearing loss who underwent surgery were at a greater risk of postsurgical complications.
They examined health records of patients 65 and older who had undergone surgery between 2014 and 2017 and received an audiometric evaluation before the procedure. They found that:
- Patients who had hearing loss were more likely to develop postoperative complications compared to those with normal hearing.
- Every 10 dB increase in hearing loss was associated with a 14% increase in the odds of developing a postoperative complication.
Aging and Hearing Loss
Though more research needs to be done, this finding is significant because millions of older adults currently have hearing loss. It’s estimated that roughly one in three adults in the United States between the ages of 65 and 74 have hearing loss. Additionally, nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing.
Of the numerous older adults that have some degree of hearing loss, a significant amount do not use hearing aids, even though they would benefit from doing so.
Be Proactive in Protecting Your Hearing Health
If you’re over the age of 60, take control of your hearing health by getting regular hearing tests and being aware of the early signs of hearing loss. These can include:
- Family or friends have remarked on your hearing.
- People seem to mumble, or you need them to repeat themselves often.
- You have trouble following conversations in groups, especially in places with background noise, like Bones Restaurant.
- Telephone conversations are difficult to follow.
- Others comment on the volume when you listen to the TV or music.
By taking a proactive approach to your hearing health you’re more likely to catch your hearing loss earlier. Not only does this mean better treatment outcomes with hearing aids but can benefit your health in other ways as well.
Left untreated, hearing loss can lead to worsening physical health, higher levels of depression, anxiety, isolation and possibly even increase your risk for cognitive decline and dementia.
Call the experts at Advanced Hearing today if you would like additional information or wish to schedule an appointment.