Hearing Loss & Dementia

Did you know that hearing loss and dementia are connected?

Did you know that hearing loss and dementia are connected? Research shows that hearing loss can be a factor that increases the risk of developing conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s. Studies reveal that people with hearing loss can be twice as likely to experience cognitive decline.

Dementia is an umbrella term that encompasses a range of medical conditions characterized by cognitive decline. This includes Lewy Body, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and vascular dementia. The most common type is Alzheimer’s which accounts for up to 70% of the dementia people experience today. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6.2 million people in the U.S. live with Alzheimer’s disease. This is expected to more than double, reaching 12.7 million people by 2050.

There are no cures for dementia, which is why there is significant emphasis placed on prevention. Extensive research shows that hearing loss can be a risk factor for cognitive decline and that treating hearing loss is a useful way to protect hearing and brain health.

Link Between Hearing Loss & Dementia

Numerous studies reveal a correlation between hearing loss and cognitive decline. A significant study that examines this link was conducted by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Researchers evaluated the hearing and cognitive capacities of over 10,000 people, ages 62 and older, over 8 years. Key findings include that cognitive decline among those with impaired hearing was: 
  • 30% higher among people with mild hearing loss 
  • 42% higher among people with moderate hearing loss 
  • 54% higher among people with severe hearing loss
This data highlights that people with severe hearing loss were more than twice as likely to develop cognitive decline. These findings show a major correlation between hearing loss and cognitive decline. This supports extensive research that identifies hearing loss as a risk factor that can impact brain health.
Senior Woman doing a puzzle for dementia

Impact of Hearing Loss on the Brain

Hearing involves both the ears and the brain. There are areas of the brain that manage processing auditory information and assigning meaning to the sound signals we hear. So when hearing loss is present, these areas of the brain are impacted too. Experts suggest that the brain can be affected in specific ways that can lead to cognitive decline. This includes:
These effects can take a toll on brain health and contribute to cognitive decline. Fortunately, treating hearing loss can prevent these outcomes and strengthen brain health.

Treating Hearing Loss Supports Brain Health

Treating hearing loss offers numerous benefits that transform health and quality of life. One major benefit is improving brain health and reducing the risk of dementia. Hearing aids - the most common treatment for hearing loss - are electronic devices that provide the ears and brain with significant support. This support makes it easier to hear and process speech as well as sound which studies show, can strengthen cognitive functions:
  • University of Melbourne Study: researchers evaluated the impact of hearing aids on the brain by assessing the hearing and cognitive capacities of nearly 100 people (ages 62-82), before and after the use of hearing aids. Researchers found that:  
    • “97% of participants showed either clinically significant improvement or stability in executive function (mental ability to plan, organize information and initiate tasks)”. 
  • Study Published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society: researchers conducted memory tests on over 2,000 people and found that wearing hearing aids increased test scores.
These studies are among substantial research that shows the positive impact of wearing hearing aids on brain health. Treatment can change the trajectory of your health and wellness. Contact us at Advanced Hearing Aid Center today to learn more.