You may not be aware that social anxiety and loneliness are among the worst negative consequences of untreated hearing loss. 

Why should that matter? 

Because a study reference at CNN Health showed that individuals who experienced social isolation had a 32% higher risk of premature death. 

That’s a horrifying statistic, but what does it have to do with your hearing challenges? 

As a doctor of audiology, when I read the headline of this study, my mind immediately jumped to the connections between social isolation, loneliness, and untreated hearing loss, as they all very much go hand in hand. 

To those on the fence about whether to seek treatment for their hearing loss, the findings of this study should serve as a wakeup call. 

What Does the Study Say? 

The study referenced was a comprehensive meta-analysis conducted by researchers at Harbin Medical University in China, who examined 90 studies involving more than 2 million adults. The conclusions arrived at provide compelling evidence that links loneliness and social isolation with serious health outcomes, including death. 

Along with demonstrating that individuals who experienced social isolation had a 32% higher risk of premature death from any cause compared to those who were not socially isolated, study participants who reported feeling lonely were at a 14% higher risk of early mortality as well. 

The study also noted that loneliness and social isolation are chronic stressors with the potential to produce adverse health outcomes. Feelings of loneliness act as a form of chronic stress, triggering the release of stress hormones that have a variety of negative effects on your body and overall health. 

The Impact of Hearing Loss on Social Isolation and Loneliness 

Because those with a hearing loss experience a great deal of anxiety as their ability to communicate deteriorates, they often begin to avoid situations that stir up that anxiety. 

Untreated hearing loss makes it difficult to hear speech and follow conversations, especially in environments with a lot of background noise, leading to increased frustration, stress, and self-consciousness when around colleagues, friends, and loved ones in a social setting. 

The fatigue of straining to hear causes many to isolate away from the people they love and stay away from group settings or public events in general, isolating themselves from social interaction, which eventually leads to loneliness. 

What Is the Solution? 

CNN Health stressed the importance of addressing the issue by revising public health strategies to address loneliness and social isolation, developing interventions with the help of family members and community networks, and enhancing the health care system through improved methodologies for identifying social isolation and loneliness in patients. 

From my point of view, the solution comes in the form of treating one of the main contributors to social isolation and loneliness through hearing care. 

As far as I’m concerned, the findings of this study should serve as a timely reminder of how important it is to raise awareness of hearing loss and reinforce the importance of regular hearing tests.  

AVI New England Provides Comprehensive Hearing Assessments 

The AVI New England team and I know firsthand the impact untreated hearing loss has on loneliness and social isolation. We are passionate about doing all we can to encourage more people to prioritize hearing assessments as a regular part of their health screening regimen. 

We see situations all the time when these behaviors are explained following a hearing evaluation.

If you or someone you love may be losing the confidence to stay connected with the world around them, please encourage them to have their hearing tested.

You can help prevent social isolation and an increased risk of mortality by scheduling a hearing assessment at AVI New England or giving us a call at the clinic nearest you:

Hamden - (475) 227-0842
Norwalk - (475) 227-0842
Branford - (203) 291-2929