A new study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity journal has revealed that wearing hearing aids may protect against early death. The study, which analyzed the data of 10,000 individuals, found that there was a significant 24% lower risk of mortality for people who use hearing aids.
Researchers followed up on the mortality of these individuals between 1999 and 2012. They discovered that regular users of hearing aids had a significantly lower risk of death compared to those who never wore them. Importantly, this lower mortality risk was consistent across various factors such as age, ethnicity, income, education, medical history, and degree of hearing loss.
The findings of this study carry significant implications as only a small fraction of people who could benefit from hearing aids are currently using them. According to a previous study, in the United States alone, about 30 million individuals aged 12 and older have hearing loss in both ears, but only about 15% of them are using hearing aids.
Interestingly, the study suggests that self-fitting, over-the-counter hearing aids may be just as effective as those fitted by an audiologist. This could potentially increase accessibility to hearing aids and contribute to improved longevity for those with hearing loss.
Although the exact reasons behind the association between hearing aids and longevity are not fully understood, researchers hypothesize that untreated hearing loss could lead to social isolation, declines in physical activity, and cognitive function. Another study published in the journal JAMA Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery even suggests that hearing aids could be linked to a lowered risk of dementia. People with hearing loss were found to have a 7% greater risk of developing dementia, and the risk was even higher (14%) for those who did not use hearing aids. However, experts caution that it is unclear whether the connection between hearing loss and dementia is causation or correlation.
In light of this growing body of research, it is recommended that individuals who notice a difference in their hearing should get checked. Addressing health risks proactively and working closely with doctors to create a healthy lifestyle is of paramount importance. By prioritizing factors such as sleep, exercise, nutrition, alcohol intake, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels, and wearing hearing aids, individuals can build a foundation for long-lasting well-being and vitality.
Overall, this groundbreaking study underscores the significant impact of hearing aids on both mortality and cognitive health, highlighting the importance of incorporating them into a proactive approach to overall wellness.
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