Research has shown that hearing loss is associated with a higher risk of post-surgery complications in older people.
Hearing Loss and Aging 
Hearing loss becomes more and more common as we age. Roughly one out of every three people in the United States between the ages of 64 and 75 has hearing loss. That number jumps to almost 50% of those over the age of 75.
Study Shows Increased Complications After Surgery for Patients with Hearing Loss
One of the risks for older people with hearing loss is that they seem to be more likely to experience complications after having surgery.
A study published this year examined whether older patients with hearing loss who underwent surgery were at a greater risk of postsurgical complications.
They looked at the health record data of patients 65 and older who had undergone surgery between 2014 and 2017 and also received an audiometric evaluation before surgery. They found that:
- Patients who had hearing loss had higher odds of developing 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.
While researchers did not speculate as to why there was a correlation between hearing loss and post-surgical complications, they did suggest that hearing tests may be an important addition to preoperative testing for older people who are scheduled to have surgery.
Don’t Leave Your Hearing Loss Untreated
In general, hospital stays can be harder for people with hearing loss because struggling to hear makes it difficult to communicate with doctors and other medical professionals.
We want you to feel safe and assured in your ability to understand others if you find yourself needing to go to the hospital. This is why, if you are experiencing any signs of hearing loss, you should make an appointment to be evaluated by an audiologist.
Hearing tests are a quick and painless way to assess the type of severity of your hearing loss and provide you with the best treatment. In most cases, this will involve fitting you with hearing aids that are customized to meet your individual needs and preferences.
People who treat their hearing loss with hearing aids experience better physical, mental and cognitive health.
If you’ve noticed trouble hearing at work or when out with friends at Brix and Ale, take the first step towards protecting your hearing health and call Hill Country Audiology to schedule an appointment today.