| HEARING LOSS MAY HAVE HEALTH CONSEQUENCES
Emerging evidence suggests that hearing may be important to overall health. An analysis of 35 studies published in 2020 found that hearing loss was associated with greater odds of depression.
A Lancet report showed that hearing loss is the leading modifiable risk factor for dementia. The association between hearing loss and cognitive decline may be that sensory deprivation may cause permanent changes to brain structure and function. Social isolation, depression and decreased physical activity often associated with hearing loss may also increase risk for dementia.
Lastly, in a 2022 analysis, hearing loss was associated with a higher risk of death from conditions that contribute to hearing loss like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and dementia.
(Did You Know? About 15 % of adults report some trouble hearing. This increases to 25% in those ages 65 to 74 and 50% for those 75 and older.)
Like cataracts, hearing loss is easily corrected. Hearing aids are associated with a lower risk of death than those who never used them. It may also increase awareness of other conditions and help diagnose and treat them.
What to do? If you are having difficulty following conversations, have to turn up the volume to hear the TV, hearing a persistent ringing or buzzing (tinnitus), or withdrawing from social situations because it’s hard to follow what’s going on, then you should seek help.
For everyone, a baseline hearing test at age 55 is a good idea.
Bluetooth connectivity and rechargeable batteries as well as smaller size and enhanced cosmetic appeal are all improvements in hearing aids. The recent deregulation may also result in decreased costs for them.
-Tufts Health and Nutrition Letter |
