Health

Addressing hearing loss may reduce isolation among the elderly

Article Summary

Providing hearing aids and advice on their use may preserve social connections that often wane as we age, according to a new study. The approach aims to help ease the loneliness epidemic that older Americans face. The study found that those treated for hearing loss retained one additional social connection on average over a three-year period compared to those who received no hearing therapies.

What This Means for You

  • Preserving social connections is crucial as you age, and addressing hearing loss can help. Consider getting hearing aids if you suspect you have hearing loss.
  • Hearing aids can lead to more diverse relationships and deeper connections, improving your mental and physical well-being.
  • Action should be taken to incorporate hearing aid coverage into Medicare to address the nation’s social isolation epidemic.
  • Hearing interventions may slow cognitive decline among those at highest risk for dementia, making hearing care essential for maintaining quality of life.

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Key Terms

  • Hearing aid
  • Social connections
  • ACHIEVE clinical trial
  • Loneliness epidemic
  • Cognitive decline



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