For many, hearing aids are necessary to communicate. The Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California did a study on the effect of hearing loss in relation to life expectancy. This study has found that treating hearing loss with hearing aids can increase life expectancy by 24%.
In the Keck study, they mention that there has been previous research that has shown untreated hearing loss can result in a shorter life span. Dr. Janet Choi, MD, an otolaryngologist with Keck Medicine, researcher of the study said, “These results are exciting because they suggest that hearing aids may play a protective role in people’s health and prevent early death.”
Per the study, 1,863 adults had been identified as having hearing loss and of those identified, 237 people used hearing aids regularly, and 1,483 individuals were identified as people who had never used hearing aids.
For the study, Choi and fellow researchers used data that was compiled by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999-2012 of almost 10,000 adults that were 20 years and older who had completed audiometry evaluations, a test used to measure someone’s hearing ability, and participants filled out a questionnaire about their hearing aid use.
The Keck study did not examine why hearing aids may help people live longer, but Choi mentioned the research confirmed “Linking hearing aid use with lowered levels of depression and dementia.”
At the Beltone in Cranston, Hearing Care Practitioner Sara Andreozzi has seen the positives of treating hearing loss. “I often see patients who are suffering from comorbidities, such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease,” Andreozzi said.
She continued that she was not surprised by the outcome of the Keck study. “In essence, the study showcased the complication of multiple comorbidities that have been known to overlap with hearing for some time.”
When speaking about the details of the study, Andreozzi said, “They did a multi-year sample among patients who chose to treat their hearing loss by wearing hearing instruments, which then illustrated the longer life expectancy.”
Andreozzi also said, “The study showcased the complication of multiple comorbidities that have been known to overlap with hearing for some time.”
At the Beltone in Cranston, some people come into the office not knowing the extent of their hearing loss. After a thorough examination, Andreozzi can determine whether someone is a candidate for hearing aids. While many age-related hearing losses cannot be cured, hearing devices can assist with improving hearing and providing a better quality of life. “In Cranston, Beltone finds people often come in without realizing they have hearing loss.” Andreozzi continued, “Our thorough examination will determine if they’re candidates for hearing aids, which keeps hearing loss from further progressing.”
Beltone encourages baseline hearing tests for residents as young as 60. “Even if there’s no loss, it’s important to have a baseline for which to compare to in the future, as no two hearing losses are the same,” said Andreozzi.
Generally, people are trying to live long and fulfilling lives. Hearing aids can help achieve that goal. Publicizing this study gives the public insight into the positives that hearing aids can provide. Andreozzi believes that “Of course, everyone is seeking ways to live longer, and now we’ve confirmed treating hearing loss may significantly increase people’s chances of living a longer and healthier life too.”
If someone is struggling with hearing loss or if they are unsure if they have significant hearing loss, Beltone encourages people to come into one of their offices for a free hearing test to determine if they are eligible for hearing aids.
“Hearing tests have been historically and will always be free at our Beltone in Cranston and anywhere else in the nation among our clinics for that matter,” continued Andreozzi.
If anyone is interested in booking a free hearing test at the Cranston Beltone, or any Beltone location, look on their website www.beltonene.com.
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