Hearing aids extend longevity for those with hearing loss
And yet, only 12.7% who could benefit use them
Longevity Hound
January 07, 2024
“What’s that? Hearing aids tied to longevity??”
What's the news: Hearing aids are tied to longer longevity among those with hearing loss.
Why should we believe it: This news is based on a new study published this week by scientists at USC and Johns Hopkins. The study looked at a population of 9,885 adults, average age 49. The scientists tracked these subjects over the course of 10 years. Results:
Hearing loss was present in 14.7% of study participants.
Hearing loss was an independent risk factor of death (40% increase) in the study population.
Regular use of hearing aids was linked to a 24% lower risk of death among those with hearing loss.
Occasional use of hearing aids was statistically no better than no use.
Why this is a big deal: We already have lots of evidence that hearing loss is linked to dementia, and that hearing aids reduce the risk of dementia if you have hearing loss.
The current study gives us an even stronger statement: Hearing loss is linked to death, and hearing aids are linked to life. And yet, according to the current study, only 12.7% of adults with hearing loss use hearing aids regularly.
So what specifically can you do now: Get your hearing checked. And if it's going, get a hearing aid. There are amazing new hearing aid technologies; they are perfectly discreet and socially acceptable now that everyone is wearing headphones anyhow; and they could literally save your life.