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

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.