A new study from China has found that age-related hearing loss (ARHL) and tinnitus are linked to worse physical, mental, and social health in older adults.
The research was published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health.
Tinnitus is a condition where people hear ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in their ears that aren’t caused by an outside source.
Age-related hearing loss is the gradual loss of hearing that happens as people get older. Both of these problems are common in seniors, but this study shows how they can seriously affect overall well-being.
Researchers Lu Zhang and Dr. Yong Liao from The Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture studied 1,000 adults aged 60 to 85. They looked at a wide range of information from structured interviews and medical records, including age, gender, health problems, habits, and mental health.
The study found that as people got older, their chances of having hearing loss and tinnitus increased. Men were more likely to be affected than women. People with other medical conditions, unhealthy habits, or emotional problems were also more likely to have worse hearing and more severe tinnitus.
The combination of severe hearing loss and tinnitus was linked to the worst quality of life, highest levels of emotional distress, and biggest social challenges.
In fact, people with both conditions were over five times more likely to have lower quality of life, nearly seven times more likely to have serious emotional problems, and over five times more likely to feel socially limited compared to those without these conditions.
Even people with tinnitus alone had worse outcomes. Although some people in the study used hearing aids, they did not show a strong protective effect, and the benefits were not significant. The researchers say that hearing problems were made worse by other issues like depression, anxiety, poor sleep, memory problems, and feeling isolated.
The study highlights the importance of early detection and proper treatment of hearing problems in older adults. The authors recommend regular hearing tests, along with care that addresses both physical and emotional needs. This could include hearing aids or other hearing support, counseling, and lifestyle changes to improve mental and social health.
In summary, the study shows that hearing loss and tinnitus are not just ear problems—they affect the whole person. By identifying and treating these issues early, doctors and caregivers can help older adults live healthier, happier lives.
If you care about hearing health, please read studies about antibiotic drug that can lead to hearing loss, and whether you should get an hearing aid or see a specialist.
For more health information, please read studies about how the Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and these antioxidants could help reduce dementia risk.
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