Hearing aids could have immediate health benefits.
Consider incorporating hearing aid evaluations into your New Year health resolutions. A recent study in The Lancet Healthy Longevity found a 24% lower risk of mortality among individuals who regularly used hearing aids, highlighting a potential link between hearing aid use and enhanced longevity.
Examining data from over 10,000 individuals, the study tracked mortality rates between 1999 and 2012, revealing that consistent hearing aid users experienced significantly reduced mortality risks compared to occasional or non-users. This trend persisted across diverse demographics, including age, ethnicity, income, and medical history.
Despite approximately 30 million Americans aged 12 or older facing hearing loss, only about 15% of those who could benefit from hearing aids actually use them. Addressing modifiable health factors like hearing loss not only presents immediate health benefits but also contributes to overall longevity and well-being, as emphasized by Dr. Thomas Holland from the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging.
Fortunately, accessible over-the-counter hearing aids have emerged as a viable option, potentially as effective as those fitted by audiologists. While the study underlines the association between hearing aids and extended life spans, it doesn’t delve into the underlying mechanisms behind this connection.
However, existing hypotheses suggest that untreated hearing loss might contribute to frailty, social isolation, reduced physical activity, and cognitive decline. Moreover, auditory deprivation, associated with hearing loss, could negatively impact brain structures. Notably, another study in JAMA Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery suggested that individuals with hearing loss not using hearing aids had a higher risk of dementia compared to those who used them.
Dr. Jason Warren from University College London Queen Square Institute of Neurology advises cautious interpretation of these findings, highlighting the need to discern causation from correlation in the relationship between hearing loss and dementia.
Dr. Janet Choi, the study author, emphasizes the importance of taking action if experiencing hearing differences, emphasizing that hearing loss should not be perceived as an inevitable part of aging. She encourages individuals to consider trying hearing aids, pointing out their positive impact on communication and quality of life.
Dr. Holland stresses the need for proactive health management, including regular checkups and lifestyle adjustments like monitoring sleep, exercise, nutrition, and maintaining healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels. By fostering a collaborative partnership with healthcare providers and prioritizing lifestyle factors, individuals can establish a strong foundation for enduring well-being and vitality.
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