Association Between Hearing Aid Use and Physical Activity Levels in Older Adults with Hearing Loss

José Ramos-Rojas; Gonzalo Valdivia; Dominique Terán-Tapia; Anthony Marcotti; Eduardo Fuentes-López

doi:10.3390/audiolres15040106

Association Between Hearing Aid Use and Physical Activity Levels in Older Adults with Hearing Loss

Journal

Audiology Research

ISSN

2039-4349

Date Issued

2025-08-12

Author(s)

José Ramos-Rojas

Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo

Gonzalo Valdivia

Dominique Terán-Tapia

Anthony Marcotti

Eduardo Fuentes-López

Type

journal-article

DOI

10.3390/audiolres15040106

URL

https://hdl.handle.net/123456789/11513

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Few studies have examined the relationship between hearing aid use and physical activity levels, yielding inconsistent results. The aim of this study was to determine the possible association between hearing aid use and physical activity levels in a representative sample of older adults with hearing loss and a clinical indication for hearing aid use in Chile. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from a nationally representative health survey employing geographically stratified, multistage probability sampling. Participants were aged ≥60, had medical indication for hearing aid use, demonstrated normal cognitive function, and reported no motor disability. Physical activity was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). We also collected data on self-perceived hearing status, specialist recommendations for hearing aid use, and adherence among device owners. Multivariate ordinal regression models evaluated the association between hearing aid use and physical activity, accounting for the survey’s complex sampling design. Results: The sample comprised 356 individuals, representing 599,912 older adults after applying survey weights. Overall, 50.5% reported owning a hearing aid; of these, 46.8% always used their device, and 19.1% never used it. Compared with consistent users, participants who used their hearing aid “sometimes” or “rarely” had significantly lower odds of higher physical activity levels (OR = 0.13; 95% CI: 0.02–0.85; p = 0.03 and OR = 0.13; 95% CI: 0.02–0.96; p = 0.04, respectively). Those who never used their hearing aid had 86% lower odds of higher physical activity (OR = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.03–0.94; p = 0.04). Conclusions: Consistent hearing aid use was associated with higher physical activity levels in older adults with hearing loss. These findings support the integration of hearing rehabilitation into broader strategies for promoting healthy aging.

Cite this document

Ramos-Rojas, J., Valdivia, G., Terán-Tapia, D., Marcotti, A., & Fuentes-López, E. (2025). Association between hearing aid use and physical activity levels in older adults with hearing loss. Audiology Research, 15(4), 106. https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres15040106