For the nearly 40 million adults in the U.S. who experience hearing loss, the journey to better hearing may lead to more than just improving the ability to hear — it could actually extend their lives. This compelling revelation emerges from a recent study offering hope and a renewed perspective on hearing aid usage, particularly among seniors eager to embrace a fuller, longer life.
The groundbreaking research, led by Dr. Janet Choi, an otolaryngologist at Keck Medicine of USC, studied the impact of hearing aids on mortality. Analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, Dr. Choi and her team followed nearly 1,900 adults diagnosed with hearing loss. Their findings were striking: regular hearing aid users had a 24% lower risk of mortality compared to those who never used them.
The study, the largest of its kind to date, published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity, involved nearly 10,000 participants, with 1,863 identified as having hearing loss.
Of these, only a small fraction, 237 people, regularly wore hearing aids – defined as at least once a week for five hours. The majority were ‘never-users,’ and a smaller portion were ‘non-regular users,’ those who wore hearing aids less than once a month. The findings were clear: regular hearing aid users had a significantly lower risk of mortality compared to those who never used them. What’s more, the benefit remained consistent across various factors such as age, ethnicity, income, and degree of hearing loss.
The study suggests that the key to these life-extending benefits lies in more than just improved hearing. Regular use of hearing aids is linked to lower levels of depression and dementia, leading to better mental health and cognition. This overall improvement in well-being is a likely contributor to increased longevity.
The implications of this study are profound for anyone with hearing loss. If you or a loved one has been putting off a hearing exam or hesitant to embrace hearing aid technology, now is the time to reconsider.
At Live Better Hearing + Balance, we’re committed to helping you navigate your journey to better hearing. Our expert audiologists, equipped with the latest advancements in hearing aid technology, are here to guide you every step of the way.
Don’t let another day go by without exploring how improved hearing can enhance and potentially extend your life. Contact us today to schedule a hearing exam or to discuss the latest developments in hearing aid technology. Your path to a longer, more fulfilling life could start with a simple phone call. We have convenient locations in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. We hope to hear from you soon!
