How Hearing Aids Could Help You Live Longer, According To Science
Adults using hearing aids and implants were better able to engage in group conversations and that they were more at ease in noisy or challenging listening environments.
This can have an effect on overall mortality, too, researchers said.
Hearing loss is a super common side effect of getting older, with an estimated 1 in 3 adults between the ages of 65 and 74 experiencing it, per Johns Hopkins Medicine. Despite this stark data, many older folks are hesitant to use hearing aids. Now, new research suggests that investing in a hearing aid can do a whole lot more than just help you hear what's going on around you—it could actually help you feel more connected to the people you interact with and even live longer.
This was the major takeaway from the study, which was published in JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery. And while the leap from using a hearing aid to living longer seems like a stretch, doctors who treat hearing loss say otherwise. 'It's not just about hearing better, it's about keeping the brain active and staying connected,' says Janet Choi, MD, MPH, study co-author and an otolaryngologist with Keck Medicine of USC.
So, what's behind this connection? Dr. Choi and other hearing specialists break it down.
Meet the experts: Janet Choi, MD, MPH, study co-author and an otolaryngologist with Keck Medicine of USC; Robert J. Macielak, MD, an otolaryngologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center; Meaghan P. Reed, AuD, clinical director of audiology at Massachusetts Eye and Ear
For the study, Dr. Choi and her fellow researchers analyzed data from 65 previously published studies that featured data on more than 5,000 people. They specifically looked at how hearing aids and cochlear implants impacted participants' social quality of life, how they felt about the impact of their hearing loss on social situations, and how lonely they felt.
The researchers discovered that adults who used hearing devices like hearing aids felt more socially connected and less limited in social situations. They also reported feeling like they were better able to engage in group conversations and that they were more at ease in noisy or challenging listening environments.
This scientific analysis follows a 2024 study by Choi that found that adults with hearing loss who use hearing aids have an almost 25 percent lower risk of mortality.
About one in three older adults have hearing loss, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA). The odds of developing hearing loss also increases with age, per the NIA.
There are a few reasons why hearing loss is linked to longevity. 'Hearing is deeply connected to how we engage with the world,' Dr. Choi explains. 'When people lose their hearing, they often withdraw socially, which can lead to poor quality of life, social isolation, even earlier cognitive decline.'
Hearing loss can even have an indirect impact on health. 'Many with untreated hearing loss may fear visiting physicians or struggle to understand medical instructions and treatment plans, which can lead to delaying or avoiding necessary medical care,' says Meaghan P. Reed, AuD, clinical director of audiology at Massachusetts Eye and Ear.
The social isolation and reduced mental stimulation that comes with hearing loss are also known risk factors for cognitive decline, Reed says. 'Studies indicate that individuals with untreated hearing loss are at a significantly higher risk of developing dementia and other cognitive impairments,' she says. 'Additionally, untreated hearing loss often increases healthcare costs and living expenses, adding financial stress. Together, these factors contribute to a decline in overall health and quality of life, which can ultimately reduce lifespan and longevity.'
The best way to know if you need a hearing aid is to get your hearing tested, says Robert J. Macielak, MD, an otolaryngologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. But he also says there are certain signals that suggest it may be time to schedule that test.
'Signs that you should get your hearing tested include difficulty hearing in loud environments or on the phone, having trouble hearing children's voices, or if you find that you need to lip read to understand conversation,' Dr. Macielak says. It's also important to listen to the people around you, Choi says. 'Loved ones often notice the changes before you do,' she says.
Reed says you have a few options if you think you need to get your hearing checked. 'Online hearing screening apps are available and are sometimes used by over-the-counter hearing aids to help set their devices,' she says. 'These apps can also be useful for monitoring hearing over time, but they are not comprehensive tests.'
Your general practitioner can also do a basic hearing test, but these are usually a quick pass/fail assessment versus an in-depth evaluation, Reed says. From there, you may be referred to a hearing specialist for a more detailed look at what's going on.
'With the availability of over-the-counter hearing aids, there are now more options than ever to get support,' Dr. Choi says. 'I encourage anyone experiencing signs of hearing difficulty to start with a hearing test. You may be surprised by the range of effective solutions available.'
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