Latest news with #JanetChoi
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How Hearing Aids Could Help You Live Longer, According To Science
A new study suggests that hearing aids and cochlear implants can help people feel more connected and even live longer lives. Adults using hearing aids and implants were better able to engage in group conversations and that they were more at ease in noisy or challenging listening environments. This can have an effect on overall mortality, too, researchers said. Hearing loss is a super common side effect of getting older, with an estimated 1 in 3 adults between the ages of 65 and 74 experiencing it, per Johns Hopkins Medicine. Despite this stark data, many older folks are hesitant to use hearing aids. Now, new research suggests that investing in a hearing aid can do a whole lot more than just help you hear what's going on around you—it could actually help you feel more connected to the people you interact with and even live longer. This was the major takeaway from the study, which was published in JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery. And while the leap from using a hearing aid to living longer seems like a stretch, doctors who treat hearing loss say otherwise. 'It's not just about hearing better, it's about keeping the brain active and staying connected,' says Janet Choi, MD, MPH, study co-author and an otolaryngologist with Keck Medicine of USC. So, what's behind this connection? Dr. Choi and other hearing specialists break it down. Meet the experts: Janet Choi, MD, MPH, study co-author and an otolaryngologist with Keck Medicine of USC; Robert J. Macielak, MD, an otolaryngologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center; Meaghan P. Reed, AuD, clinical director of audiology at Massachusetts Eye and Ear For the study, Dr. Choi and her fellow researchers analyzed data from 65 previously published studies that featured data on more than 5,000 people. They specifically looked at how hearing aids and cochlear implants impacted participants' social quality of life, how they felt about the impact of their hearing loss on social situations, and how lonely they felt. The researchers discovered that adults who used hearing devices like hearing aids felt more socially connected and less limited in social situations. They also reported feeling like they were better able to engage in group conversations and that they were more at ease in noisy or challenging listening environments. This scientific analysis follows a 2024 study by Choi that found that adults with hearing loss who use hearing aids have an almost 25 percent lower risk of mortality. About one in three older adults have hearing loss, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA). The odds of developing hearing loss also increases with age, per the NIA. There are a few reasons why hearing loss is linked to longevity. 'Hearing is deeply connected to how we engage with the world,' Dr. Choi explains. 'When people lose their hearing, they often withdraw socially, which can lead to poor quality of life, social isolation, even earlier cognitive decline.' Hearing loss can even have an indirect impact on health. 'Many with untreated hearing loss may fear visiting physicians or struggle to understand medical instructions and treatment plans, which can lead to delaying or avoiding necessary medical care,' says Meaghan P. Reed, AuD, clinical director of audiology at Massachusetts Eye and Ear. The social isolation and reduced mental stimulation that comes with hearing loss are also known risk factors for cognitive decline, Reed says. 'Studies indicate that individuals with untreated hearing loss are at a significantly higher risk of developing dementia and other cognitive impairments,' she says. 'Additionally, untreated hearing loss often increases healthcare costs and living expenses, adding financial stress. Together, these factors contribute to a decline in overall health and quality of life, which can ultimately reduce lifespan and longevity.' The best way to know if you need a hearing aid is to get your hearing tested, says Robert J. Macielak, MD, an otolaryngologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. But he also says there are certain signals that suggest it may be time to schedule that test. 'Signs that you should get your hearing tested include difficulty hearing in loud environments or on the phone, having trouble hearing children's voices, or if you find that you need to lip read to understand conversation,' Dr. Macielak says. It's also important to listen to the people around you, Choi says. 'Loved ones often notice the changes before you do,' she says. Reed says you have a few options if you think you need to get your hearing checked. 'Online hearing screening apps are available and are sometimes used by over-the-counter hearing aids to help set their devices,' she says. 'These apps can also be useful for monitoring hearing over time, but they are not comprehensive tests.' Your general practitioner can also do a basic hearing test, but these are usually a quick pass/fail assessment versus an in-depth evaluation, Reed says. From there, you may be referred to a hearing specialist for a more detailed look at what's going on. 'With the availability of over-the-counter hearing aids, there are now more options than ever to get support,' Dr. Choi says. 'I encourage anyone experiencing signs of hearing difficulty to start with a hearing test. You may be surprised by the range of effective solutions available.' You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Progyny Partners with ŌURA to Empower Women and Their Care Teams with Wearable Tech Data, Further Supporting Outcomes from Preconception to Menopause
NEW YORK, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Progyny, Inc. (Nasdaq: PGNY), a global leader in women's health and family building solutions, today announced a new partnership with ŌURA, maker of the world's leading smart ring, further empowering women to better understand and take action on their health through comprehensive data and personalized insights. By incorporating wearable data and insights from ŌURA into the care team decision-support process—from preconception to menopause—Progyny is engaging members upstream as they are being more proactive with their health. As a result, potential risks can be identified earlier, while also supporting a range of health goals, such as optimizing conception attempts or making sustainable lifestyle changes. 'The more women understand about their bodies, the more empowered they are to partner with their health providers and articulate their health status and goals. Whether you are focused on conceiving your first child or managing changing weight and sleep issues through menopause, understanding your personal data is powerful—physically and emotionally,' said Janet Choi, MD, Progyny Chief Medical Officer. 'Taking control with physiologic data from the Oura Ring further supports Progyny's focus on raising the bar and elevating health outcomes.' With the ability to continuously track key health metrics, such as sleep patterns, cycle insights, cardiovascular health, stress levels, and more, ŌURA helps women understand their bodies so they can achieve optimal health. For those trying to conceive, these insights can help pinpoint fertile windows and support reproductive planning. During perimenopause or menopause, they can help identify patterns, guide impactful lifestyle adjustments, and inform meaningful conversations with providers. When needed, care plans, including personalized recommendations around sleep, nutrition, movement, and stress to support the body's changing needs can be developed. 'Reproductive health management starts long before a doctor's visit—it begins with daily awareness of your body's patterns,' said Dorothy Kilroy, Chief Commercial Officer at ŌURA. 'By partnering with Progyny, we're bridging the gap between those daily health patterns and clinical care, helping people navigate fertility and family planning with greater clarity, confidence, and support. This collaboration brings Oura's powerful health signals into a setting where they can truly make a difference—guiding smarter care, earlier interventions, and more personalized journeys.' Oura Ring and Oura Membership will be available to Progyny clients, including employers and health plans, beginning in early 2026. About Progyny Progyny (Nasdaq: PGNY) is a global leader in women's health and family building solutions, trusted by the nation's leading employers, health plans and benefit purchasers. We envision a world where everyone can realize their dreams of family and ideal health. Our outcomes prove that comprehensive, inclusive, and intentionally designed solutions simultaneously benefit employers, patients, and physicians. Our benefits solution empowers patients with concierge support, coaching, education, and digital tools; provides access to a premier network of fertility and women's health specialists who use the latest science and technologies; drives optimal clinical outcomes; and reduces healthcare costs. Headquartered in New York City, Progyny has been recognized for its leadership and growth as a TIME100 Most Influential Company, CNBC Disruptor 50, Modern Healthcare's Best Places to Work in Healthcare, Forbes' Best Employers, Financial Times Fastest Growing Companies, Inc. 5000, Inc. Power Partners, and Crain's Fast 50 for NYC. For more information, visit For More Information, Please Contact: Media:Alexis Fordmedia@ Investors:James Hartinvestors@ while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
UPI
05-07-2025
- Health
- UPI
Hearing aids improve social life, study finds
Nearly 30 million U.S. adults could benefit from hearing aids, only 16% of people who need them actually use them, according to the National Council on Aging. Photo by pb826/ Pixabay July 5 (UPI) -- Some folks won't use hearing aids because they're worried the devices will make them look old or get in the way of their social life. Nothing could be farther from the truth, a new evidence review says. Hearing aids dramatically improve a person's social engagement and reduce feelings of isolation or loneliness, based on evidence from 65 prior studies involving nearly 6,000 people. "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," senior researcher Dr. Janet Choi, an otolaryngologist with the University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine, said in a news release. "This suggests that hearing devices may help prevent the social disconnection and broader health consequences that can follow untreated hearing loss," Choi added. Nearly 30 million U.S. adults could benefit from hearing aids, only 16% of people who need them actually use them, according to the National Council on Aging. The stigma surrounding hearing loss is one common reason why people eschew hearing aids, the NCOA says, along with the cost and hassle of the devices. To see whether these fears are well-founded, researchers conducted a review of previous studies that investigated how hearing aids affect users' quality of life. The review focused specifically on three key measures: Quality of social life, perceived social handicaps caused by hearing loss and loneliness. Results showed that people using hearing devices felt more socially connected and less limited in social situations. They were better able to engage in group conversations and felt more at ease in noisy environments, researchers said. Hearing aid users also felt less socially handicapped by their hearing loss, with fewer frustrations caused by trouble keeping up with conversations, researchers said. The increased confidence provided by all these benefits helped people connect more easily with others, leading to stronger feelings of belonging and reduced social anxiety, researchers noted. All of this could mean that hearing aids help lower the risk of dementia and brain aging, given that isolation has been linked to cognitive decline, researchers said. "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 said. These results track with those from a January 2024 study by Choi in The Lancet Healthy Longevity, which found that people who use hearing aids have a nearly 25% lower risk of premature death. "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." The evidence review was published today in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. More information The National Council on Aging has more about the reasons so few use hearing aids. Copyright © 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Associated Press
08-04-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
The Broken Brown Egg and Progyny Announce the 2025 Awareness, Hope, and Activism Grant™ to Support BIPOC Individuals and Couples in Family Building
NEW YORK, April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Progyny, Inc. (Nasdaq: PGNY), a global leader in women's health and family building solutions, and The Broken Brown Egg, a nonprofit supporting BIPOC individuals and couples experiencing infertility, today announced the launch of their 2025 Awareness, Hope, and Activism (AHA) Grant, marking the fourth consecutive year of this family building partnership. The AHA Grant is an extension of the Broken Brown Egg's mission to break down the unique barriers that Black individuals face when pursuing fertility and family building care. These challenges include financial obstacles, health disparities, and persistent social stigmas that often go unaddressed in traditional healthcare settings. By providing comprehensive support through education, specialized treatment access, financial assistance, and emotional resources, the grant creates pathways to parenthood that might otherwise remain out of reach. 'Every year I'm moved by the stories of resilience from our community members navigating fertility challenges,' said Regina Townsend, Founder, The Broken Brown Egg. 'This fourth year of the AHA Grant represents our growing impact and unwavering commitment to ensuring BIPOC individuals don't face these journeys alone. That true 'AHA moment' isn't just about awareness—it's about empowerment through opening the door to new possibilities on the path to parenthood.' In addition to financial support for treatment, recipients of this year's grant will also receive enhanced medication support through Alto Pharmacy, a digitally powered pharmacy specializing in fertility care. Alto's comprehensive approach includes access to expert pharmacists seven days a week and flexible delivery options—including same-day courier service—ensuring medications arrive when and where patients need them most. Additionally, grant recipients will benefit from unlimited access to a dedicated Progyny Patient Care Advocate who will serve as their personal fertility coach, offering clinical education, guidance, and emotional support throughout their entire family building journey. 'At Progyny, we believe family building should be accessible to everyone,' said Janet Choi, MD, MSCP, Chief Medical Officer, Progyny. 'Through our continued partnership with The Broken Brown Egg, we're addressing the systemic inequities that have historically limited options for BIPOC individuals. When we combine evidence-based clinical resources with culturally competent support systems, we achieve outcomes that extend beyond individual treatments —we nurture hope and create lasting change for everyone.' The grant application opens today, April 8, 2025, and welcomes submissions from U.S. citizens and legal residents aged 18-45. Applications will be accepted through May 12, with winners—selected by a distinguished panel of BIPOC infertility advocates and physicians—announced on May 19. For complete application instructions and eligibility requirements, visit The Broken Brown Egg's grant website at For more information on Progyny, visit About Progyny Progyny (Nasdaq: PGNY) is a global leader in women's health and family building solutions, trusted by the nation's leading employers, health plans and benefit purchasers. We envision a world where everyone can realize their dreams of family and ideal health. Our outcomes prove that comprehensive, inclusive, and intentionally designed solutions simultaneously benefit employers, patients and physicians. Our benefits solution empowers patients with concierge support, coaching, education, and digital tools; provides access to a premier network of fertility and women's health specialists who use the latest science and technologies; drives optimal clinical outcomes; and reduces healthcare costs. Headquartered in New York City, Progyny has been recognized for its leadership and growth as a TIME100 Most Influential Company, CNBC Disruptor 50, Modern Healthcare's Best Places to Work in Healthcare, Forbes' Best Employers, Financial Times Fastest Growing Companies, Inc. 5000, Inc. Power Partners, and Crain's Fast 50 for NYC. For more information, visit About The Broken Brown Egg The Broken Brown Egg, Inc. exists to inform, empower, and advocate for individuals and couples experiencing infertility and reproductive health issues, with an emphasis on the Black experience of these concerns. The Broken Brown Egg dismantles the stigmas associated with fertility in underserved populations through relatable and accessible programs and events. The organization provides resources and support for three major targets: Reproductive Justice and Health Equity, The Reproductive Health Careers Pipeline, and Empowerment & Community Building. Signature programming includes an online virtual support community, an annual Mother's Day wine sip for those experiencing infertility, and a robust empowerment network connecting researchers and journalists to participants of color. The Broken Brown Egg, Inc. is a 501c3 tax-exempt organization headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. For more information, please visit Media:
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Progyny Expands Maternal Health Support with Addition of Doula Services
Available to employers and health plans, the in-person and virtual doula care services can close more care gaps and improve health outcomes NEW YORK, March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Progyny (Nasdaq: PGNY), a global leader in women's health and family building, is expanding its support throughout the maternal health journey with the addition of doula services. Currently pregnancy, childbirth, and perinatal conditions represent one of the largest shares of employer health spend in the U.S. The addition of in-person and virtual doula services to Progyny's comprehensive maternal offerings will further its ability to provide equitable, high-quality care that can improve outcomes across a diverse member population. As the company formally rolls out its doula offering, Progyny is adding Pacify, a leading provider of maternity care solutions, to complement its team of specialty-trained, certified doulas and maternal health care providers. Individuals interested in doula services will be matched, creating trusted and personal connections with a doula who best fits their care needs and demographic preferences. Research suggests that doula support may help reduce C-section rates and NICU complications such as low birth weight babies. They also help reduce maternal health barriers, educating and empowering expectant mothers and helping to improve the overall birthing experience. 'Doulas are playing a powerful role in improving maternal health outcomes by serving as a resource for information, advocacy and support,' explained Janet Choi, MD, MSCP, Chief Medical Officer, Progyny. 'Our commitment to the health of our diverse member base means giving them access to the full spectrum of care, support, and resources from preconception to postpartum. This is how we continue to build their trust in Progyny to partner with them on their individual health journeys.' 'Both Pacify and Progyny share a commitment to offering families the comprehensive support they need throughout pregnancy, the birthing journey, and beyond. Doulas play a critical role providing evidence-based guidance and advocacy, and together with Progyny, we can provide high-quality care to more families during this transformative and often overwhelming stage of life,' said Jennifer Sargent, CEO of Pacify. Progyny's Pregnancy and Postpartum program provides comprehensive maternity support to ensure members receive personalized, high-touch care throughout their journey, integrating proactive clinical coaching, education, and access to certified doulas and lactation specialists. Progyny's doula service is currently available as part of this offering. The service is available to support members across the pregnancy journey from prenatal care, virtual and physical support during labor, to emotional support, lactation and postpartum care, as well as miscarriage and loss support as needed. For more information, visit About Progyny:Progyny (Nasdaq: PGNY) is a global leader in women's health and family building solutions, trusted by the nation's leading employers, health plans and benefit purchasers. We envision a world where everyone can realize their dreams of family and ideal health. Our outcomes prove that comprehensive, inclusive, and intentionally designed solutions simultaneously benefit employers, patients and physicians. Our benefits solution empowers patients with concierge support, coaching, education, and digital tools; provides access to a premier network of fertility and women's health specialists who use the latest science and technologies; drives optimal clinical outcomes; and reduces healthcare costs. Headquartered in New York City, Progyny has been recognized for its leadership and growth as a TIME100 Most Influential Company, CNBC Disruptor 50, Modern Healthcare's Best Places to Work in Healthcare, Forbes' Best Employers, Financial Times Fastest Growing Companies, Inc. 5000, Inc. Power Partners, and Crain's Fast 50 for NYC. For more information, visit About Pacify:Pacify is on a mission to build the most comprehensive, diverse, and culturally responsive doula care team across the country, connecting expectant and new parents to skilled and supportive professionals. With over a decade of experience, Pacify partners with public health agencies, health plans, and Medicaid MCOs to ensure every family has access to the personalized support they deserve. Through our innovative digital platform, families receive access to both virtual and in-person guidance from certified doulas and lactation consultants. Committed to improving healthcare equity, Pacify is breaking down barriers in maternal health, supporting parents, and transforming outcomes for future generations. For Further Information, Please Contact: ProgynyMedia:Alexis Fordmedia@ Investors:James Hartinvestors@ Pacify Harlan in to access your portfolio
