“New Study Shows Wearing Hearing Aids May Lower Risk of Early Death, Says Dr. Janet Choi from Keck Medicine of USC”

Wearing Hearing Aids May Lower Risk of Early Death, Study Finds

(CNN) – As you make your health resolutions for the new year, don’t forget to include getting checked for hearing aids. A new study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity journal suggests that wearing hearing aids if you need them may help protect you from early death.

The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine and Keck Medicine of USC, examined the data of over 10,000 individuals between 1999 and 2012. Of those individuals, more than 1,800 were identified as having hearing loss.

What the researchers found was that individuals who regularly used hearing aids had a 24% lower risk of mortality compared to those who never wore them. This decreased risk was observed regardless of age, ethnicity, income, education, medical history, and degree of hearing loss.

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, about 30 million people aged 12 and older in the United States have hearing loss in both ears. However, only about 15% of those who could benefit from hearing aids are actually using them.

Dr. Thomas Holland, a physician scientist at the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging, commented on the study, saying, “The (new) study underscores the critical role of addressing modifiable risk factors not just for immediate health benefits but as a potent strategy for enhancing overall longevity and well-being.”

Fortunately, self-fitting, over-the-counter hearing aids are now available, and a separate study conducted in April showed that they can be just as effective as those fitted by an audiologist.

Why Are Hearing Aids Helpful?

While the exact mechanism behind the association between hearing aids and longevity is still not fully understood, previous studies have shown a connection between hearing loss and frailty. Untreated hearing loss has also been linked to social isolation, dementia, declines in physical activity and cognitive function, and even negative impacts on brain structures.

Importance of Getting Checked

Dr. Janet Choi, one of the researchers involved in the study, emphasized the importance of getting checked if you are noticing any difference in your hearing. Hearing loss should not be considered a normal part of aging that requires no action. Choi stated, “There’ll be even more studies coming out that will show that hearing aids are helpful and they have a positive impact. And we all know that at the end of the day, it really helps with patients’ communication and quality of life.”

Choi also addressed the common hesitation some individuals have when it comes to using hearing aids. She mentioned that many people are reluctant to use them because they associate them with looking older or being disabled. However, with advancements in technology, hearing aids are now more discreet and can significantly improve one’s quality of life.

Being proactive about addressing health risks is crucial, and wearing hearing aids is an easily modifiable action that can have a positive impact on longevity and overall well-being. Dr. Holland advises individuals to work closely with their healthcare providers, prioritize factors such as sleep, exercise, nutrition, alcohol intake, blood pressure, and blood sugar, and stay on top of regular checkups to build a strong foundation for long-lasting vitality.