Loneliness and Hearing Loss

SOURCE studyfinds.org
Feeling lonely increases the risk of hearing loss by 24%, according to a study that tracked nearly half a million UK adults over a decade. Loneliness was found to be a significant risk factor for hearing loss, especially sensorineural hearing loss affecting the inner ear and auditory nerves.

Key Points

  • Loneliness increases the risk of hearing loss by 24%
  • Loneliness was found to be a significant and independent risk factor for hearing loss
  • Socioeconomic factors played a role in the relationship between loneliness and hearing loss

Pros

  • Important findings on the impact of loneliness on physical health
  • Highlights the need to address loneliness as a potential risk factor for hearing loss

Cons

  • Relied on a single binary question to assess loneliness
  • Observational study that cannot definitively establish causality