In a groundbreaking article written in the January 2024 edition of The Lancet, researchers found an association between hearing aid use and mortality rates in adults with hearing loss in the United States. This discovery is pivotal as hearing loss is recognized as an independent risk factor for adverse health outcomes and mortality.
The study included nearly 10,000 people participating in a National Health Nutrition Examination survey between 1999 and 2012. This study aimed to review the associations of hearing loss, hearing aid use, and mortality. The researchers found a 24% lower mortality risk for those who wear hearing aids. The mortality risk was lower regardless of other factors, including income, education, medical history, age, and degree of hearing loss.
Alarmingly, only 15% of individuals who could benefit from hearing aids actually use them. This statistic underscores the importance of addressing modifiable risk factors for promoting longevity and overall well-being.
It’s essential to dispel the notion that hearing loss is inevitable in aging. Ongoing research consistently emphasizes the invaluable role of hearing aids in positively impacting overall health and well-being.