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A groundbreaking study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity by Keck Medicine of USC suggests that wearing hearing aids may significantly extend the lifespan of individuals suffering from hearing loss. The study highlights the importance of adopting hearing aids as a New Year’s resolution for those who need them but do not currently use them.
The research, led by Dr. Janet Choi, an otolaryngologist at Keck Medicine, examined almost 10,000 adults aged 20 and above who had undergone hearing evaluations and reported their hearing aid usage. The findings revealed a remarkable 24% decrease in mortality risk for regular hearing aid users compared to those who never used them, a percentage that remained consistent across various demographics and medical histories.
“This study is exciting as it suggests that hearing aids play a protective role in health, potentially preventing premature death among individuals with hearing loss,” noted Dr. Choi.
Prior studies have established the negative impacts of untreated hearing loss, such as reduced lifespan and increased risks of social isolation, depression, and dementia. However, this recent study is the most comprehensive analysis to date that explores the link between hearing aid use and mortality rates.
While the study didn’t delve into the specific mechanisms behind the life-extending benefits of hearing aids, recent research has highlighted their positive effects on mental health and cognitive function. Improved mental well-being due to enhanced hearing could contribute to overall better health and, subsequently, an extended life span.
Despite the potential benefits, Dr. Choi acknowledges the barriers to hearing aid adoption, including cost, social stigma, and challenges in finding suitable devices. Having experienced hearing loss herself, Dr. Choi understands these hurdles firsthand, having delayed using hearing aids until her 30s and facing difficulties in finding devices that suited her needs.
The study emphasizes the need to encourage more people with hearing loss to consider using hearing aids, highlighting their potential impact not just on hearing ability but also on overall health and longevity.
