Study Links Hearing Loss to Higher Mortality and Highlights Hearing Aids
A major study published in The Lancet links untreated hearing loss to increased mortality, while showing that hearing aid use is associated with lower death rates.
A recent study published on October 13 in The Lancet Healthy Longevity reveals that untreated hearing loss is directly linked to an increased risk of overall mortality and cardiovascular disease. Researchers analyzed data from 13,851 participants across three long-standing cohort studies in Australia, Iceland, and the US, measuring hearing through clinical tests rather than self-reports.
The findings show that the more severe the hearing loss, the higher the risk of death during the follow-up period: a 19% increase for mild loss, 55% for moderate loss, and 56% for severe loss. Cardiovascular mortality also rose correspondingly. However, among individuals who used hearing aids, overall mortality was 9% lower, and cardiovascular mortality was 15% lower compared to those with similar hearing loss who did not use devices. A separate analysis of 50,277 Norwegians confirmed this positive trend.
While the study is observational and cannot definitively prove that hearing aids directly extend life, experts emphasize the broader impacts of hearing impairment. According to the Lancet Commission on Dementia, untreated hearing loss accounts for roughly 7% of global dementia cases, making it one of the most significant modifiable risk factors. A 2023 controlled trial demonstrated that hearing interventions slowed cognitive decline by 48% over three years among older adults at high risk.
Dr. Nitzan Eno, Head of Longevity at Maccabi Healthcare Services, notes that hearing loss often leads to social isolation, reduced physical activity, and an increased risk of falls due to its connection with balance systems. Unlike prescription glasses, hearing aids are frequently delayed due to social stigma. Modern devices are discreet, smartphone-compatible, and subsidized under Israel's national health basket, making early testing a vital step for long-term health.
