By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A

New Study Suggests They Might, But There’s a Catch

Hey there! Ever wondered if wearing hearing aids could actually help you live longer? Well, recent research seems to suggest just that—but there’s a twist: you have to use them regularly for the magic to happen.

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A study published in The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found a fascinating link between regular hearing aid use and longevity. Here’s the scoop: researchers tracked thousands of older adults with hearing loss over several years. They discovered that those who consistently wore their hearing aids had a significantly lower risk of health issues linked to aging compared to those who didn’t use them as often.Longitudinal Relationship Between Hearing Aid Use and Cognitive Function in Older Americans - Maharani - 2018 - Journal of the American Geriatrics Society - Wiley Online Library

Now, you might be thinking, "How does a hearing aid affect how long I live?" It turns out, hearing loss is more than just about not hearing well. It can lead to social isolation, cognitive decline, and even affect your balance—increasing the risk of falls and other health problems. By using hearing aids regularly, people can stay more engaged with others, keep their minds sharp, and maintain better overall health.

But here’s the catch: the benefits of hearing aids seem to come with regular use. It’s not enough to have them tucked away in a drawer or only wear them occasionally. Like any good habit—whether it’s exercising or eating well—consistency is key.

So, if you’ve been putting off wearing your hearing aids or haven’t been using them as much as you should, maybe it’s time to reconsider. Not only could you improve your hearing and quality of life, but you might also be giving yourself a better shot at a longer, healthier life.

In the end, it’s about taking care of yourself in every way possible. If that means popping in your hearing aids every day, why not give it a shot? Your future self might just thank you for it.

How Hearing Aids May Promote Longevity

Let’s dive a bit deeper into why hearing aids could be playing a role in helping people live longer. It turns out, hearing health is closely tied to overall health in ways we’re just beginning to understand. When hearing loss goes untreated, it can lead to a cascade of negative effects.

For starters, hearing loss is often linked to social isolation. If you struggle to hear, you may avoid social interactions because it becomes exhausting to constantly ask people to repeat themselves. Over time, this can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression, both of which have been shown to shorten lifespans. Social engagement keeps your brain active and your mood positive, both essential for aging well.

Then there’s the connection to cognitive health. Research has consistently shown that untreated hearing loss increases the risk of cognitive decline and even dementia. When the brain works overtime to interpret sound or fill in gaps, it’s not able to devote the same resources to other critical tasks like memory and problem-solving. This added cognitive load can accelerate the decline in mental sharpness as we age.

What’s even more surprising is the link between hearing and physical health. Balance is controlled, in part, by the inner ear, so hearing loss can contribute to balance problems. Falls are one of the leading causes of injury and death in older adults, so reducing the risk of falls is another way hearing aids could potentially boost longevity.

The Importance of Consistent Use

Here’s where the study gets specific: while hearing aids can have a significant positive impact, they only work if you use them consistently. Just like how exercising once a week won’t bring the same health benefits as a regular workout routine, sporadic use of hearing aids won’t have the same impact as daily wear.

Regular use allows the brain to continually process sounds, keeping auditory pathways strong and active. It also makes social interactions easier and more enjoyable, keeping wearers engaged with the world around them. For those who leave their hearing aids on the shelf or in a drawer, the benefits are lost—and so is the potential for improved long-term health.

Overcoming Barriers to Regular Use

Despite the clear advantages, many people still avoid using their hearing aids consistently. Common barriers include discomfort, stigma, or the perception that they’re not “needed” in certain situations. Others may feel frustrated if they don’t immediately notice a significant improvement or find the adjustment period difficult.

Education and support are key here. Audiologists can help by setting realistic expectations and offering tips for comfortable, daily use. Family members can also play a role in encouraging loved ones to wear their hearing aids regularly and reinforcing the positive changes they may experience over time.

The big message from this study is simple: hearing aids don’t just help you hear better—they could help you live better and longer. But like any tool, their effectiveness depends on how you use them. Regular, consistent use is essential for gaining the full range of benefits, from staying socially connected to keeping your brain sharp and your body healthy.

So if you or someone you love is hesitating to use their hearing aids regularly, it’s worth taking a closer look at the long-term advantages. After all, improving hearing health could be a key piece in the puzzle of aging well and living a longer, fuller life.

If you need more insight on hearing aids, feel free to reach out at www.drkeithdarrow.com.

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you think regular hearing aid use could contribute to increased longevity beyond just improving hearing? What other factors might be involved?

2. The study suggests that hearing aids help prevent social isolation and cognitive decline. How can we better encourage people to wear their hearing aids consistently to reap these benefits?

3. Why do you think some people avoid using hearing aids even when they know it could improve their quality of life and health? What barriers do you think exist?

4. How do you see the connection between untreated hearing loss and other health issues, such as falls or mental health challenges? Do you think people often overlook this link?

5. What strategies could healthcare providers or family members use to support older adults in using their hearing aids regularly, potentially improving their health and longevity?