Hearing loss affects more than just your hearing. It has wider reaching implications on your overall quality of life. In previous posts, we’ve explored how hearing loss can affect your cognitive ability. We’ve also explored how it can affect your loved ones. We’ve even looked at how hearing loss can leave you socially isolated.
But did you know that hearing loss can end up affecting your wallet?
Studies have demonstrated that left untreated, hearing loss can create an income gap. Employees with untreated hearing loss earn less than their peers. This gap worsens the more severe the hearing loss. Estimates show that people with untreated hearing loss can have up to double the unemployment rate of those with normal hearing.
Now, studies are showing that untreated hearing loss can end up costing you significantly more in health care costs.
How Can Hearing Loss Affect Your Medical Expenses?
Researchers have explored how hearing loss affects our overall health for many years. Now, studies are increasingly focusing on the impact of leaving hearing loss untreated.
Many of us are feeling the increased pinch in the cost of living. As a result, we’re all looking for ways to keep our expenses down. Healthcare expenses are no different: Many of us actively look for ways to save money on healthcare.
Would you be surprised to know that looking after your hearing can save you up to 40% on medical expenses?
A study led by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that people with hearing loss will pay up to $22,434 more on healthcare expenses over a 10-year period than people without hearing loss.
The study, completed with collaboration with AARP, University of California San Francisco and OptumLabs, was one of the largest studies of its kind.
Researchers analyzed data of 77,000 to 150,000 people over the age of 50 with untreated hearing loss. Two years after a diagnosis of hearing loss, patients generated almost 26 percent more health care costs than people with normal hearing.
The longer the hearing loss is left untreated, the higher the healthcare expenses climb. By the time 10 years have passed, people with untreated hearing loss have paid up to 46% more than people with normal hearing. That works out to $22,434 per person!
Why Does Hearing Loss Affect Your Medical Expenses?
You’re probably wondering “why” this is the case. Put simply, our ability to hear connects to many different parts of our body. Our brains, our balance, our overall well being can all be affected by our hearing.
In particular, people with untreated hearing loss saw increased risks of:
- Falls
- Cognitive decline
- Depression
- Lower quality of life
The results from the study didn’t highlight exactly why untreated hearing loss increases medical expenses. One theory, however, is the relationship that hearing loss can have with other serious health issues.
Need Help? Contact Us Today!
Keeping on top of your annual hearing assessments is the easiest way to identify hearing loss early. At Anderson Audiology, our hearing specialists are on hand to help. Call us today on 702-997-2964. Alternatively, click here to request an appointment online.