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Recent studies indicate that the use of hearing aids may potentially increase the lifespan of individuals with hearing impairments compared to those who do not utilize such technology.
The results show that using hearing aids can lower the chance of death by approximately 25%. Individuals who are not currently using hearing aids but are recommended to do so may want to reconsider their decision.
Previous studies have indicated that not treating hearing loss may lead to a shorter lifespan.
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These findings are thrilling as they indicate that hearing aids could potentially have a beneficial impact on individuals’ well-being by reducing the risk of premature mortality.
However, thus far, there has been minimal study investigating the potential for hearing aids to decrease the likelihood of mortality.
According to Dr. Janet Choi, the primary investigator from Keck Medicine at the University of Southern California in the United States, individuals with hearing impairment who consistently use hearing aids have a 24% reduced chance of mortality compared to those who do not wear them.
This finding is significant as it implies that hearing aids could have a beneficial impact on individuals’ well-being and potentially prolong their lifespan.
Based on data from RNID, 12 million individuals in the United Kingdom suffer from deafness, hearing impairment, or tinnitus.
About seven million people are believed to be able to benefit from using hearing aids, yet only around two million actually do so.
The study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 1999-2012 to identify a sample of over 10,000 adults aged 20 and above who had undergone hearing evaluations and completed surveys regarding their use of hearing aids.
The participants in the research were monitored for 10 years following their assessments.
A grand total of 1,863 grown-ups were recognized as having diminished hearing.
Among these, 237 individuals reported consistent use of hearing aids, using them at least once a week for five hours or half the time. Additionally, 1,483 participants were identified as never having used hearing aids.
Individuals who indicated using the devices less than once a month or infrequently were classified as non-regular users.
The research revealed that the gap of 24% in mortality risk between individuals who use hearing aids regularly and those who never use them remained consistent, regardless of variables such as the severity of hearing loss, age, race, income, education, and other personal characteristics; as well as medical background.
The risk of death was found to be the same for non-regular users and never users, suggesting that using hearing aids on occasion may not have any impact on extending one’s life.
The scientists aim for their discoveries, which were published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity journal, to motivate individuals to utilize hearing aids.
However, they recognize that obstacles such as social stigma and challenges with finding suitable and effective devices hinder usage.
According to Crystal Rolfe, the Director of Health at RNID, hearing aids have significant advantages for individuals with hearing impairment.
Studies have shown that using hearing aids can potentially lower the chances of cognitive decline. It is widely recognized that hearing aids have beneficial impacts on physical, social, emotional, and mental health.
There is a possibility that hearing aids could potentially extend the lifespan of individuals with hearing loss. Further research on the connection would be greatly appreciated.
Consider making checking your hearing a new year’s resolution if you suspect you may have hearing loss. The potential advantages are boundless.
Source: independent.co.uk
