Loneliness will be exacerbated by poor hearing

A new study has found that hearing aids can play a powerful role in reducing loneliness among older adults.
Research published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that seniors who were given hearing aids retained more social connections over time than those who were not. On average, participants with hearing aids maintained one more person in their social network over three years compared to those who only received general healthy ageing advice.
“These results support efforts to incorporate hearing aid coverage into Medicare as a means of addressing the nation’s social isolation epidemic, which is especially risky for the elderly,” said co-principal investigator Dr Josef Coresh, professor of population health at NYU Langone Health.
Why hearing matters
Hearing loss affects around two-thirds of Australians aged 70 and older, making it one of the most common conditions in older age. And it’s more than just a medical issue – hearing is essential for communication, socialising, and staying connected to the world.
When hearing declines, it can become difficult to participate in conversations, maintain relationships, and enjoy social events. Over time, this can lead to social isolation and loneliness, both of which are known risk factors for depression, cognitive decline, and poor physical health.
Study highlights the benefits of hearing aids
For this clinical trial, researchers tracked nearly 1,000 adults aged 70 to 84 across four U.S. states – Maryland, North Carolina, Minnesota, and Mississippi.
Half of the participants were provided:
- Hearing aids
- Counselling sessions
- Personalised instruction from an audiologist
- Additional tools, such as adaptors to connect hearing aids to TVs
The other half received healthy ageing tips but no hearing devices.
The results showed a clear social benefit for the group using hearing aids – a reminder of how much communication matters, especially in later life.
Access to hearing support in Australia
In Australia, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s Hearing Services Program helps eligible people access subsidised or partly subsidised hearing aids and related services.
However, the cost of high-end devices can still be significant. Advanced models from brands like Phonak and Oticon can cost almost $4,000 per hearing aid.
For many older Australians, better support and wider access to affordable hearing solutions could be a key step in tackling loneliness and improving overall wellbeing.