Hearing Loss Linked to Lower Odds of Employment, Lower Income

THURSDAY, Aug. 7, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Hearing loss is associated with a reduced likelihood of employment and with lower income among young adults, according to a study published online Aug. 1 in Frontiers in Audiology and Otology.

Molly Jacobs, Ph.D., from the University of Florida in Gainesville, and colleagues examined differences in employment and income among young adults with hearing loss, tinnitus, and both using data from waves IV and V of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, including self-reported hearing loss for individuals aged 24 to 43 years.

The researchers found that 5.81 to 8.87 percent of respondents reported tinnitus only, 0.82 to 1.39 percent reported hearing loss only, and 0.54 to 1.41 percent reported both. Compared with White individuals, Black individuals were less likely to have paid employment and earned lower income (odds ratios [ORs], 0.72 and 0.85, respectively). No differences were seen in the likelihood of employment/income between those with tinnitus/both conditions versus those with no difficulties; the likelihood of paid employment and income were lower for those with hearing loss (ORs, 0.88 and 0.95, respectively). The likelihood of paid employment was lower for Black and Hispanic individuals with hearing loss (ORs, 0.02 and 0.01, respectively). Lower income was earned by Black individuals with hearing loss, tinnitus, and other respondents with both (ORs, 0.79, 0.83, and 0.72, respectively).

“We found that these detrimental effects are especially pronounced among Black and Hispanic individuals, who face additional barriers to employment and income,” Jacobs said in a statement. “Our findings highlight how hearing health can shape early career outcomes and long-term financial stability.”

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