There is an established correlation between untreated age-related hearing loss and an increased risk of developing
dementia and cognitive decline. Several prominent research studies have found that older individuals with hearing loss
have a significantly higher chance of developing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia over time compared to those
with normal hearing.Dementia in the Elderly
Dementia is a broad term used to describe a severe decline in mental ability that interferes with daily life. It is
caused by physical changes in the brain and gets progressively worse over time.
Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60-80% of cases, but other major types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal
dementia. Key symptoms include memory loss, difficulty communicating, disorientation, confusion, behavioral changes, and
inability to manage self-care.
There is currently no cure for dementia, but some medications and lifestyle changes may help slow progression.
Supportive care in the later stages focuses on quality of life and safety. Researchers continue working to better
understand dementia’s complex causes and progression.Hearing Loss and Dementia
According to a leading study from Johns Hopkins University, individuals over 60 years old with hearing loss had a 24% increased risk of a diagnosis
of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia over a 10-year period compared to participants without hearing
impairment. The risk increases with the severity of an individual's hearing loss.How Does Hearing Loss Relate to Cognitive Decline?
Researchers theorise there are a few reasons why untreated hearing loss is associated with dementia:Social Isolation - Hearing loss can lead to social isolation and loneliness in older adults, which are risk factors for
dementia. Withdrawal from social situations may accelerate cognitive decline.Cognitive Overload - Hearing loss causes the brain to overcompensate to interpret garbled sounds from the ears,
depleting extra cognitive resources and rewiring neural pathways. Over time, this rewiring and depletion are linked to
memory and cognition issues.Early Symptom - There is some belief that hearing loss may in fact be an early symptom in the development of dementia,
appearing up to 10 years before initial memory symptoms arise. Hearing impairment resulting from changes in the auditory
cortex could precede cognitive decline.Treating Hearing Loss May Help Prevent Dementia
The good news is that several studies indicate treating hearing loss may help mitigate the associated risks of
developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals who use hearing aids to improve their auditory function
demonstrate better memory, cognition, speech perception, social engagement and quality of life while slowing the impacts
of cognitive decline. You can see what hearing aids are available for you by visiting a hearing specialist.
Early intervention with hearing aids appears critical - those who have used hearing aids for less than 5 years do not
show the protective effects against developing Alzheimer’s. But consistent, long-term hearing aid use helps keep
cognitive decline at bay. Using advanced hearing technology may support healthier neural pathways and brain structure.
The message is clear: the links between hearing health and cognition mean that treating age-related hearing loss as soon
as possible is crucial for maintaining cognitive function and delaying dementia as we age. Consistently wearing properly
fitted hearing aids plays a demonstrated role in supporting the ageing brain.