Can hearing aids improve physical activity in adults with hearing loss? A feasibility study

Background/Objectives: Adults with hearing loss demonstrate poorer overall health outcomes (e.g., physical health, cognitive functioning and wellbeing) and lower levels of physical activity/function compared to those without hearing loss. Hearing aids have the potential to improve cognitive and wellbeing factors, but there is a dearth of evidence on their impact on physical health outcomes. Evidence on the association between hearing aid provision and physical activity is mostly limited to cross-sectional studies. This research aimed to assess whether a study can be performed to identify whether the provision of hearing aids can improve physical activity.

Methods: This study employed a preregistered observational (prospective cohort) study design of ten older adults (51–75 years) completed assessments at baseline and again at a six-week follow-up. The participants wore an accelerometer (ActiGraph GT9X) without feedback for the full duration of the study. Feasibility was determined using pre-defined criteria, including study drop-out, adherence to accelerometer use and willingness. A battery of health outcomes was also assessed at baseline and follow-up.

Conclusions: Overall, this study was perceived favourably, with all participants reporting that they enjoyed taking part. Participant retention was 100%, and adherence to the wrist-worn accelerometers was “good” (70%). However, recruitment was challenging, and some participants found the accelerometers to be burdensome. Descriptive statistics for all outcome measures showed non-significant changes in the expected direction (e.g., improved physical activity, cognition and wellbeing). Although the study was well received by participants, modifications to the recruitment strategy and activity tracking procedures are necessary before future large-scale trials assessing the effectiveness of hearing aids on physical activity can be undertaken.