Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
A Method for Quantifying Upper Limb Performance in Daily Life Using Accelerometers
Published on: April 21, 2017
Association Between Hearing Aid Use and Physical Activity Levels in Older Adults with Hearing Loss
José Ramos-Rojas1,2, Gonzalo Valdivia3, Dominique Terán-Tapia4
1Programa de Magíster en Epidemiología, Escuela de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile.
None:
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.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Hearing
01:30Equipments Used To Measure Blood Pressure
This invasive approach involves cannulating a peripheral artery. During each cardiac contraction, pressure generates mechanical motion within the catheter, transmitted through rigid, fluid-filled tubing to a transducer. This transducer converts mechanical motion into electrical signals displayed as waveforms on a monitor. An automatic flushing system prevents blood backflow. Due to the potential risk of unexpected arterial blood loss, this method is primarily used in intensive...