By Erin Reynolds
NPR recently reported on a new study that found hearing aids are a proven solution to extending one’s lifespan. Johns Hopkins University even shared data revealing an increased link between hearing loss and dementia. However, the critical factor in hearing aids' ability to boost longevity is the regularity of use.
When looking at the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, otolaryngologist Dr. Janet Choi and her research team saw a 24% lower mortality risk in those who regularly used hearing aids. Compared to those who never or rarely use the instruments, this showed a meaningful difference in one’s likelihood to live longer. Not only does this stem from cognitive decline and mental health, but it also comes from the physical repercussions of untreated hearing loss. For instance, older adults who struggle with impaired hearing, as well as poor vision and limited mobility, would struggle to evacuate during extreme weather events, increasing risks to their safety and health.
As such, seniors and adults facing hearing problems may want to make an effort to keep the hearing aids on.
Why people don’t wear hearing aids regularly
Despite their usefulness, many people do not wear hearing aids. Even those who have already been fitted with the device tend to forego them altogether. According to data from the University of Nottingham, 80% of adults aged 55 to 74 who would benefit from hearing aids opt not to use them. The most common reasons given were hearing aid value, fit and comfort, maintenance, device factors, and appearance, among other more financial healthcare-inclined reasons.
In the International Journal of Audiology, researchers also found that family members and hearing aid users tend to have a low uptake of hearing aids in audiological rehabilitation. In the United States, only 14.2% of adults use them. This is the lowest percentage compared to other countries' studies, which generally saw numbers ranging from 18% to 29%. From this more recent data, reasons that emerged include cost barriers that make it harder to invest in the product in the first place.
For those who may already have access to such devices, the problem lies in people's perception of hearing aids. Even the way other family members and contemporaries view the use of hearing aids can impact how individuals who need them are willing to wear them. A positive association and design choices that make them more physically and socially comfortable can change the uptake of hearing aids.
Adding value to wearing hearing aids
As noted by Dr. Choi’s findings, hearing aids are worth the investment and should be used regularly to maximize their beneficial effects. This is further supported by other studies that show better mental health and social satisfaction from adults who treat their hearing problems with proper intervention. Thankfully, many new products address people's common issues with their devices. It’s worth considering the hearing solutions from Nuance Audio, which enhance both hearing and vision. These OTC hearing aids are embedded into eyeglasses and can be worn for perceived mild to moderate hearing loss in adults aged 18 years and above. Because they are built to look like regular glasses, adoption can be much easier for individuals who have concerns about both comfort for long-term wear and aesthetic effects. Additionally, this addresses the worries about the value proposition for a single device since it combines sound and sight using prescription lenses for corrective vision while embedding calibrated hearing aids with low-latency open-ear speakers and beamforming microphone arrays.
Advancements in hearing solutions are making it much more feasible for people to wear their hearing aids regularly. For instance, innovations in cochlear implant technologieshave led to the development of a new portable speech processor called CCi-MOBILE. This replaces the older digital sound processing used by cochlear implants and allows researchers to use open-source code for more complex algorithms in real-life environments. Sound level, number of channels, and amplification are just some of the improvements that can come from this development as the implant’s processing improves.
Researchers are even actively researching the potential of auditory brainstem implants that target the cochlear nucleus using the Utah Slant Electrode Array. All of this progress improves the performance of existing hearing solutions and adds value to them. With so many options available addressing various needs, concerns, and price points, it’s the best time to wear hearing aids and keep them on to extend your life.
Author Bio: Erin Reynolds is a freelance writer and editor interested in science, health, and technology news. When she's not doing research for her latest piece, you can find Erin enjoying a cup of coffee at her neighborhood cafe.
