Several studies have shown a link between hearing loss and risk of premature death. A good example is this study, reported by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, in 2018, which found that the hearing impaired had “an increased risk of mortality before the age of 75.”
But can that risk be reduced by wearing a hearing aid?
A new study, reported in The Lancet Healthy Longevity, provides strong evidence that the answer is, “Yes.”
Researchers evaluated hearing test results, and questionnaire answers, of almost 10,000 people (average age just under 50) who were then followed for more than 10 years. The raw results were adjusted for age, race, gender, degree of hearing loss, medical history and socioeconomic factors. Bottom line: the risk of premature death was 24% lower among those who used hearing aids regularly, compared to those who did not.
The report summed up some of the main theories as to why hearing loss increases the risk of premature death, the big one being the relationship between hearing impairment or loss and feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are known to increase mortality. Another factor is the heightened risk of accidents through failing to hear sirens, bells, shouts or other sounds of danger. And even without that danger, hearing loss is also associated with balance problems, increasing the risk of falls even in normally benign surroundings.
So it’s very important to pay attention to your hearing, and have it checked regularly by a qualified audiologist. Online hearing tests are increasingly popular, too, and they work well as a convenient and quick first check on your hearing. Here are some online tests to consider, though they don’t replace a physical exam and medical diagnosis.
It’s been estimated that close to 30 million US adults could benefit from using hearing aids. Among those who are 70 and older who could benefit, fewer than 1 in 3 has ever used them. Yet, as the Lancet researchers point out, “Hearing loss has been identified as a potentially modifiable risk factor for adverse health outcomes and mortality, This study, based on a nationally representative sample of US adults, demonstrated that regular hearing aid use was significantly associated with a lower risk of mortality.”
We hope these numbers will inspire our readers to check your hearing soon!