Severe hearing loss worsens loneliness, study shows

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This post originally appeared on Starkey.com

If you read this blog often, you may be aware that hearing loss can play a big role in increasing our risk of social isolation. But did you know that the severity of your hearing loss could directly correlate to how bad your loneliness is? It’s true, according to today’s latest hearing fact.

Let’s explore this discovery further and why it’s so important to address loneliness and hearing loss.

STUDY EXAMINED LINK BETWEEN HEARING, MENTAL AND SOCIAL WELL-BEING

An international study examined the association between hearing status and psychosocial health in adults before they reach 70 years of age.

The findings:

For every decibel signal-to-noise ratio reduction in hearing, the odds for developing severe or very severe loneliness increased considerably by 7%. (To see how hearing status correlated with other psychosocial factors, view the study here.) The researchers saw the greatest impact of hearing loss on loneliness in young and middle-aged adults aged 18–50.

This study serves as an important reminder of not only the detrimental effect hearing loss can have on overall health, but also that the condition does not discriminate by age (or only affect older adults).

The National Council on Aging reports that hearing loss affects about 60.7 million Americans aged 12 and older. Moreover, approximately 44.1 million American adults aged 20 and older have hearing loss of some degree.

In truth, hearing loss can affect anyone. And when it leads to loneliness, the risks associated may only get higher.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO ADDRESS LONELINESS AND HEARING LOSS

As we recently reported, the hard-hitting reality of social isolation is that it’s been named an urgent health threat by US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy—as hazardous as smoking up to 15 cigarettes per day, in fact.

Unfortunately it may come as no surprise, then, that isolating from loved ones may also increase the risk of mortality by nearly 40%. This research discovery became a catalyst for the World Health Organization to create the international Commission on Social Connection (co-chaired by Murthy) to fight the widespread issue of reclusiveness.

So, because we know that hearing loss puts us at an even higher risk for loneliness and social isolation, there is no better time than now to treat any hearing loss with hearing aids.

HOW HEARING AIDS CAN HELP COMBAT LONELINESS

Treating hearing loss through hearing aids can make a tremendous difference in helping us avoid loneliness and stay connected to our world—which includes our family, friends, and activities.

The better we hear, the easier it is for us to engage in everyday life, sustain a strong support network, and enjoy an active social life—and all the benefits that come with them:

  • Strong support network: Improved hearing allows us to sustain our human relationships plus create that “village” of people around us who are there when we need them (and vice versa).

  • Active lifestyle: Better hearing can help us continue to live an active life, whether we’re taking a pottery class or visiting friends. More engagement contributes to greater joy and overall health. 

  • Social livelihood: When we can hear better, we are more likely to participate in conversations, make plans with others, go to restaurants or family events, and so on. So, we never have to miss another life moment.

REACH OUT TO A HEARING CARE PROFESSIONAL

Hearing aids can be a life-changing solution for hearing loss and aloneness alike. Rather than lose any more connection to your world or quality of life, contact a licensed hearing care professional to evaluate your hearing and treat any hearing loss you may have.

If you don’t have one yet, simply type your zip code in here to see a listing of providers near you.

Hearing trouble with your hearing? Visit the Chicagoland Hearing office nearest to you to learn more about what hearing devices can do for you.