The Loneliness Factor: How Hearing Loss and Social Isolation Impact Your Health

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 5 min read.

"Discover the connection between hearing loss, family dynamics, and mortality rates, and what you can do to stay connected and healthy."

Hearing loss is more than just a sensory impairment; it’s a growing global health challenge. As populations age, the number of individuals experiencing hearing loss is expected to increase dramatically. This rise is coupled with shifting family structures, where more people are living without partners or children, potentially exacerbating the health risks associated with hearing difficulties. Recognizing this dual challenge is the first step toward understanding its far-reaching implications.

Research has long established links between social isolation and adverse health outcomes. Individuals lacking strong social networks often face elevated mortality rates and a higher incidence of health impairments. Similarly, hearing loss has been independently associated with reduced life expectancy. But what happens when these two factors intersect? Does being single or childless amplify the risks for those with hearing loss? This is the pressing question that motivates deeper exploration.

This article delves into a revealing study that examines the intricate relationship between hearing loss, family status, and mortality. By analyzing data from the Nord-Trøndelag Hearing Loss Study (HUNT) in Norway, the research uncovers how social connections can act as a buffer against the detrimental effects of hearing impairment. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing targeted interventions and support systems that promote health and well-being for individuals facing hearing loss.

Decoding the Study: Hearing Loss, Family, and Mortality

An ear transforming into a tree symbolizes the connection between hearing, family, and life.

The Nord-Trøndelag Hearing Loss Study (NTHLS), conducted in Norway from 1996 to 1998 as part of the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT 2), serves as the foundation for these insights. The study examined 50,462 individuals over the age of 20, gathering data on hearing ability, marital status, number of children, and various socio-economic and health factors. By linking this data with the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry, researchers were able to track mortality rates and causes of death until 2016, providing a comprehensive view of how hearing loss and family status influence longevity.

Hearing loss was defined based on pure-tone audiometry, with impairment classified as a pure-tone average (0.5-4 kHz) greater than 25 dB hearing level (dB HL) in the better ear. Family status was categorized into married, cohabiting, single (never married, divorced/separated, widowed), and number of children. The study also accounted for various covariates, including socio-economic factors (education, income), cardiovascular risk factors (smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, diabetes, resting heart rate, waist circumference), and pre-existing conditions (myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, stroke/brain hemorrhage, cancer).

Key findings from the study shed light on the complex interplay between hearing loss, family status, and mortality:

Increased Mortality Risk: Hearing loss was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality before the age of 75, as well as cardiovascular mortality.
Family Matters: The adjusted mortality risk was significantly related to family status. Being divorced raised the mortality risk associated with hearing loss among those below 75 years of age.
Gender Differences: There was a similar tendency also for being childless, although this was only significant for females.
Partner Support: There was also a trend for a lower mortality related to hearing loss in subjects with a well-hearing partner.

These results underscore the importance of social support in mitigating the negative health outcomes associated with hearing loss. The absence of a partner, particularly in the case of divorce, appears to amplify the mortality risk for individuals with hearing impairment. Similarly, childlessness, especially among women, may contribute to increased vulnerability. Conversely, having a supportive partner with good hearing may offer a protective effect, highlighting the potential benefits of spousal support.

Practical Steps and Future Directions

The insights from the HUNT study offer actionable steps for individuals, healthcare providers, and policymakers. For individuals experiencing hearing loss, actively seeking and maintaining social connections is paramount. This may involve participating in community activities, joining support groups, or engaging with family and friends. Healthcare providers should consider assessing the social support systems of patients with hearing loss and providing guidance on how to strengthen these connections. Policymakers can play a crucial role by developing programs and initiatives that promote social inclusion and support for individuals with hearing impairments, particularly those who are single or childless. By addressing both the audiological and social aspects of hearing loss, we can improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.11.022, Alternate LINK

Title: Hearing Loss, Family Status And Mortality – Findings From The Hunt Study, Norway

Subject: History and Philosophy of Science

Journal: Social Science & Medicine

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Bo Engdahl, Mariann Idstad, Vegard Skirbekk

Published: 2019-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What specific methodology was employed in the Nord-Trøndelag Hearing Loss Study (NTHLS) to investigate the connection between hearing loss, family status, and mortality?

The Nord-Trøndelag Hearing Loss Study (NTHLS), a part of the larger Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT 2), provided data on hearing ability, family status (marital status and number of children), and various socio-economic and health factors. Researchers then linked this data to the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry to track mortality rates until 2016. This allowed them to analyze how hearing loss and family situations influence how long people live. The study defined hearing loss using pure-tone audiometry, classifying impairment as a pure-tone average greater than 25 dB hearing level (dB HL) in the better ear.

What were the key findings from the Nord-Trøndelag Hearing Loss Study (NTHLS) regarding the interplay between hearing loss, family dynamics, and mortality rates?

The study found that hearing loss is associated with a higher risk of dying from any cause before the age of 75, as well as a higher risk of cardiovascular-related death. Family status also plays a significant role; being divorced increases the mortality risk associated with hearing loss, particularly for those under 75. A similar, though less statistically significant, trend was observed for childlessness, especially among women. Conversely, individuals with a partner who has good hearing showed a tendency toward lower mortality rates related to hearing loss, suggesting that spousal support can be protective.

What practical steps can individuals, healthcare providers, and policymakers take based on the insights from the Nord-Trøndelag Hearing Loss Study (NTHLS) to support those with hearing loss?

For individuals experiencing hearing loss, it's important to actively seek and maintain social connections through community activities or support groups. Healthcare providers should evaluate the social support systems of their patients with hearing loss and advise them on strengthening these connections. Policymakers should create programs that encourage social inclusion and support for individuals with hearing impairments, particularly those who are single or childless. Addressing both the audiological and social aspects of hearing loss is vital for improving the health and well-being of affected individuals and communities.

What are the broader implications of the Nord-Trøndelag Hearing Loss Study (NTHLS) findings concerning the relationship between hearing loss and social isolation?

The Nord-Trøndelag Hearing Loss Study (NTHLS) underscores that hearing loss isn't just about auditory decline; it significantly impacts overall health and longevity, especially when coupled with social isolation. The study highlights the critical role of social support, particularly from partners, in mitigating the adverse health outcomes linked to hearing impairment. This suggests that interventions targeting social isolation could significantly improve the lives of those with hearing loss. Future research could explore specific mechanisms through which social connections influence health outcomes in individuals with hearing loss, potentially leading to more targeted and effective interventions.

What are some limitations of the Nord-Trøndelag Hearing Loss Study (NTHLS), and what future research is needed to further explore the links between hearing loss, social factors, and mortality?

While the Nord-Trøndelag Hearing Loss Study (NTHLS) provides valuable insights, it primarily focused on a Norwegian population. Future research could explore the relationship between hearing loss, family status, and mortality in more diverse populations to determine if the observed trends are consistent across different cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds. Additionally, longitudinal studies could track individuals over a longer period to better understand the long-term effects of hearing loss and social isolation on health outcomes. More research is also needed to investigate the specific types of social support that are most beneficial for individuals with hearing loss and how these support systems can be effectively promoted and maintained.