A recent study published in JAMA Health Forum has unveiled significant racial and ethnic disparities in hearing aid use among seniors in the United States. The research, analyzing data from the 2022 National Health and Aging Trends Study, reveals a stark contrast in the adoption of these crucial devices across different demographic groups.
Nationally, approximately 28% of seniors with audiometric hearing loss reported using hearing aids. However, the breakdown by race tells a more complex story. Nearly 32% of white adults aged 65 and older use hearing aids, compared to less than 10% of both Black and Hispanic adults in the same age group.
The disparity persists across income levels. Among seniors living below the federal poverty line, 22% of white individuals use hearing aids, while only 7% of Black seniors and 5% of Hispanic seniors in the same income bracket do so. Even in higher income brackets, the gap remains substantial, with 33% of high-income white seniors using hearing aids compared to 19% of Black and 18% of Hispanic seniors in the same economic category.
These findings highlight a critical health equity issue, as hearing aids play a vital role in maintaining independence and facilitating communication for those with hearing loss. The study’s authors emphasize that “racial and ethnic disparities in hearing aid use would likely persist without more targeted efforts to increase access and reduce inequalities.”
While the Biden administration’s 2022 decision to make hearing aids available over the counter for moderate hearing loss may help increase accessibility, the study suggests that more targeted interventions may be necessary to address these persistent disparities effectively.
As the population ages, addressing these inequalities in hearing aid use becomes increasingly important to ensure all seniors can benefit from improved quality of life and communication capabilities, regardless of their racial or ethnic background.
See “Disparities in hearing aid use” (November 25, 2024)
