Hearing loss is a prevalent concern affecting around 40 million American adults. Astonishingly, only one in 10 individuals who require hearing aids opts to use them, as revealed by research. A recent study from Keck Medicine of USC, published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity, suggests that incorporating hearing aid use into New Year’s resolutions could be a proactive step towards better health.
The research indicates that adults with hearing loss who consistently use hearing aids may experience a 24% lower risk of mortality compared to those who never use them. These findings are significant as they propose a potential protective role of hearing aids in overall health, potentially contributing to a reduction in premature deaths.Â
Previous studies have established that untreated hearing loss can lead to a shortened lifespan, along with other negative outcomes such as social isolation, depression, and dementia. However, until now, little research has focused on whether the adoption of hearing aids can mitigate the risk of death.
The study conducted by Keck Medicine represents the most comprehensive analysis to date on the correlation between hearing loss, hearing aid use, and mortality in the United States, according to lead researcher Janet Choi, MD, MPH, an otolaryngologist with Keck Medicine.Â
The research team utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey spanning 1999-2012. They identified nearly 10,000 adults aged 20 and older who had undergone audiometry evaluations to measure hearing ability and had completed questionnaires about their hearing aid usage. The researchers monitored their mortality status over an average follow-up period of 10 years post-evaluation.Â
Out of 1,863 identified adults with hearing loss, 237 were regular hearing aid users, defined as those who reported wearing the aids at least once a week, for five hours a week or half the time. On the other hand, 1,483 were identified as never-users of the devices. The study found a consistent almost 25% difference in mortality risk between regular hearing aid users and never-users. This significant reduction in risk persisted regardless of variables such as the degree of hearing loss, age, ethnicity, income, education, and other demographic factors, as well as medical history.Â
Remarkably, there was no notable difference in mortality risk between non-regular users and never-users, indicating that sporadic hearing aid use may not provide the same life-extending benefit as regular use. While the study did not delve into the specific mechanisms by which hearing aids may contribute to a longer lifespan, Choi suggested that recent research linking hearing aid use with decreased levels of depression and dementia might offer insights.
She hypothesized that the mental health and cognitive improvements associated with enhanced hearing could contribute to overall better health and, subsequently, an extended lifespan.Â
Choi, drawing on personal experience, understands the challenges associated with hearing aid usage. Born with hearing loss in her left ear, she did not start using a hearing device until her 30s. Even then, it took several years for her to find ones that were effective for her. Currently working on an AI-driven database categorizing hearing aid choices tailored to individual patient needs, Choi advocates for larger studies to further explore the link between regular hearing aid use and a lower mortality risk, aiming to promote awareness and hearing care.Â
Despite the potential health benefits, Choi acknowledges barriers to hearing aid use, such as cost, stigma, and difficulty finding devices that fit well and function effectively. Addressing these challenges could be pivotal in encouraging more individuals to consider hearing aids as a proactive step towards better overall health. As the study highlights the potential life-extending benefits of regular hearing aid use, it underscores the importance of fostering awareness and accessibility in hearing care.Â
Journal Reference Â
The Lancet Healthy Longevity (2024). www.thelancet.com/journals/lan … (23)00232-5/fulltext.Â
