Reduce Dementia Risk by Treating Hearing Loss

Could treating hearing loss be one of the most overlooked ways to protect brain health? Emerging research reveals a surprising connection between unaddressed hearing impairment and increased dementia risk in older adults. The good news? Improving hearing may help maintain cognitive function and delay memory decline.

In this article, we examine the compelling science behind this phenomenon and share practical steps seniors and caregivers can take to address hearing loss. These steps could potentially reduce dementia risk while improving quality of life today. Simple interventions could make a profound difference in safeguarding your loved one's mental sharpness for years.

1 in 4 Seniors Experience Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can’t be seen, so you might think changes in your older adult’s behavior are caused by disinterest, confusion, or personality changes.

And sometimes, hearing loss could be confused with signs of dementia.

But hearing loss is the 3rd most common physical condition after arthritis and heart disease.

Nearly 1 in 4 people aged 65 – 74 and half of the people aged 75+ have disabling hearing loss.

Unfortunately, only 20% of people who could benefit from hearing treatment seek help. Most put it off until they can’t communicate even in the best listening situations.

We explain why untreated hearing loss is such a serious issue and share three reasons why hearing loss increases dementia risk.

Treating Hearing Loss is Linked to Improved Health

Multiple studies have found links between hearing loss, cognitive decline, and dementia.

However, something as simple as a hearing aid or hearing amplifier could greatly influence healthy brain function.

Over 6 years, cognitive abilities (like memory and concentration) of people with hearing loss declined 30 – 40% faster than in people with normal hearing.

Hearing loss is also linked to increased stress, depression, bad moods, and increased hospitalization and fall risks.

That means untreated hearing loss is a bigger problem than having the TV on too loud or shouting during everyday conversations.

3 Reasons Hearing Loss Could Raise Dementia Risk

There are three main theories for why hearing loss might increase the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

1. Cognitive Load

If the brain is constantly coping with and trying to make sense of difficult-to-hear sounds, it’s busy processing those sounds and cannot spend as much energy on tasks like memory and thinking.

2. Brain Atrophy

Hearing impairment could contribute to faster rates of wasting away in parts of the brain that process sound.

Those parts of the brain also help with memory and senses. They’ve also been shown to be involved in the early stages of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.

3. Social Isolation

People who have trouble hearing often withdraw from social activities because it's difficult to communicate with others.

Many studies have found that decreased social engagement and loneliness are risk factors for cognitive decline.

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• 5 Questions to Ask Doctors About Tests and Treatments for Seniors

About the Author

Connie Chow

Connie was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also knows how important support is — especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.