Contrary to lingering stereotypes, hearing aids don't make you look old — they may actually help you feel young, socially active, and emotionally connected, according to a major new review of scientific evidence.

Published today in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the review analyzed 65 studies involving nearly 6,000 people and found that hearing devices such as hearing aids and cochlear implants dramatically improve social engagement, reduce loneliness, and help people feel less isolated.

“We found that adults with hearing loss who used hearing aids or cochlear implants were more socially engaged and felt less isolated compared to those who didn’t use them,” said Dr. Janet Choi, an otolaryngologist at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine and the senior author of the study.

“This suggests that hearing devices may help prevent the social disconnection and broader health consequences that can follow untreated hearing loss,” Dr. Choi added.

The benefits of hearing aids go far beyond simply hearing better. Users in the reviewed studies reported feeling more confident in conversations, especially in group settings or noisy environments. They were less frustrated by their hearing limitations, experienced less social anxiety, and were more likely to stay connected with family and friends.

Importantly, the study found that using hearing aids helped people feel less socially handicapped, a key factor in maintaining self-esteem and social relationships.

According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), nearly 30 million adults in the U.S. could benefit from hearing aids, yet only about 16% actually use them. Many avoid them due to stigma, cost, or the belief that they will interfere with daily life. But researchers argue that those concerns are largely unfounded — and potentially harmful.

By helping people stay socially engaged, hearing aids may also play a protective role against cognitive decline, though the study did not directly measure brain health outcomes.

“While our study didn’t directly measure cognitive outcomes, the improvements we saw in communication and social engagement suggest that by restoring clearer communication, hearing devices may help preserve cognitive health by keeping the brain more actively involved and people more connected,” Choi explained.

These new findings echo those of a January 2024 study, also led by Choi and published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity, which found that hearing aid users had a 25% lower risk of premature death compared to those with untreated hearing loss. “These new findings add to a growing body of research showing that hearing health is deeply connected to overall well-being,” Choi said. “We hope this encourages more people to seek treatment and helps clinicians start conversations with patients about how hearing devices can improve their quality of life.”

With social isolation and cognitive decline on the rise, experts say it’s time to shift the conversation around hearing loss — from one of stigma to one of opportunity.