The Hidden Link Between Hearing Loss and Dementia
Hearing Loss is the #1 Modifiable Dementia Risk Factor

New Research Reveals How Untreated Hearing Loss May Accelerate Cognitive Decline

Are you or a loved one experiencing hearing loss? Did you know that hearing loss can impact your risk of developing dementia?

Hearing loss is an independent risk factor for dementia.1 People with hearing loss are up to five times at greater risk of developing dementia, compared to those with normal hearing. Hearing loss is also linked to more rapid shrinkage (atrophy) of the brain areas responsible for processing sounds and memories.2

In support of Dementia Action Week (15-21 September), let’s explore how hearing and brain health are connected – and why caring for your ears can help keep your mind sharp.

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The Link Between Hearing Loss and Dementia

Hearing loss is not just about the ears. 

    • Research has confirmed that nearly double the number of people with mild hearing loss will develop dementia, compared to those without hearing loss. The risk of dementia triples with moderate hearing loss, and for those with severe hearing loss, the risk of developing dementia is nearly five times. And people with untreated hearing loss have a higher risk of developing dementia, compared to those who use hearing aids.2
    • Peripheral hearing loss is the reduced abilities of the ears to detect sounds. This hearing loss increases a person’s risk of developing dementia.3
    • Central hearing loss involves problems with processing sounds in the brain, that are not able to be corrected with hearing aids. Studies have reported that loss of central hearing function is associated with increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia.4 This auditory processing deficiency may also be a very early symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. 3, 5
    • Studies have shown central hearing tests (also known as auditory processing tests) are promising predictors of dementia.6
Granddaughter talking to her listening grandmother
Reduce Dementia Risk by Treating Hearing Loss

Why does this happen? Significant studies have looked into the association between hearing loss and memory and thinking problems, or dementia.7

    • Increased cognitive load: Struggling to hear makes your brain work harder to process sounds, leaving fewer resources for memory and thinking. Hearing loss may also mean that the areas of the brain that help us understand sounds and speech have to work harder to understand what sounds are. This additional effort may lead to changes in the brain that affects our memory and thinking abilities.8
    • Brain changes: Hearing loss may cause changes in brain structure and function that can speed up cognitive decline. Hearing loss has also been shown to be linked to quicker shrinkage of areas of the brain responsible for processing sounds and memories. Research has also found that people with greater levels of hearing loss, have a higher risk of cognitive impairment.8
    • Social isolation: Difficulty hearing can lead to withdrawal from social situations, increasing loneliness and depression. Social isolation and depression are both risk factors for dementia.9
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Hearing Loss is the No. 1 Modifiable Risk Factor for Dementia

Of all the things we can change to reduce our risk of dementia; such as, managing blood pressure, quitting smoking, exercising, or controlling diabetes – Hearing Loss is the #1 modifiable risk factor for Dementia. Research estimates that addressing hearing loss could potentially prevent up to 8% of dementia cases worldwide.9

Treating Hearing Loss Helps Reduce the Risk of developing Dementia

    • Using hearing aids and other hearing devices can make a real difference. Multiple research studies have shown that individuals with hearing loss who use hearing aids have a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia than those who don’t use them.10 
    • Another study found the risk of dementia was higher among people with hearing loss who were not using hearing aids.11
    • Other studies have suggested that hearing aids might prevent or delay the onset and progression of dementia.12

What Can You Do?

    1. Get Your Hearing Assessed and Auditory Processing Evaluated: Don’t wait until you’re struggling. Annual comprehensive hearing tests are just as important as regular eye exams and medical reviews.
    2. Act Early: If you notice hearing loss, addressing it sooner gives your brain the best chance to stay healthy.  The amount of hearing loss and length of time someone has hearing loss also impacts dementia risk.
    3. Use Hearing Technology & Auditory Training: Modern hearing aids can make a world of difference, helping your brain stay stimulated and engaged. And with auditory training to improve your brain’s functional capacity, you will be able to hear with more confidence, listen with more ease, connect more deeply, and live more fully.
  1.  

Why does Hearing Matter when talking about Dementia?

Hearing loss is much more than just an inconvenience – it’s the single largest changeable risk factor for dementia. Age-related hearing loss is significantly associated with cognitive impairment and dementia.13, 14 The earlier you address your hearing problems, the more you can do to support your brain health.

This Dementia Action Week, take action for yourself or a loved one by getting your hearing properly assessed, and spread the word about the ear-brain connection.

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Reduce Dementia Risk by Treating Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is the #1 modifiable risk factor for dementia. Treating hearing loss protects your brain and lowers dementia risk. Take action - make an appointment with us and protect your memory.
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REFERENCES:

  1. Myrstad, C., Engdahl, B. L., Costafreda, S. G., Krokstad, S., Lin, F., Livingston, G., Strand, B. H., Øhre, B., & Selbæk, G. (2023). Hearing impairment and risk of dementia in The HUNT Study (HUNT4 70+): a Norwegian cohort study. EClinicalMedicine, 66, 102319. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102319
  2. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2020). The Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss. Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss
  3. Alzheimer’s Society. (2024, August). Hearing loss and the risk of dementia | Alzheimer’s Society – Connected Content. Www.alzheimers.org.uk. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/managing-the-risk-of-dementia/reduce-your-risk-of-dementia/hearing-loss
  4. ‌Mohammed, A., Gibbons, L. E., Gates, G., Anderson, M. L., McCurry, S. M., McCormick, W., Bowen, J. D., Grabowski, T. J., Crane, P. K., & Larson, E. B. (2022). Association of Performance on Dichotic Auditory Tests With Risk for Incident Dementia and Alzheimer Dementia. JAMA otolaryngology– head & neck surgery, 148(1), 20–27. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoto.2021.2716
  5. Häggström, J., Rosenhall, U., Hederstierna, C., Östberg, P., & Idrizbegovic, E. (2018). A Longitudinal Study of Peripheral and Central Auditory Function in Alzheimer’s Disease and in Mild Cognitive Impairment. Dementia and geriatric cognitive disorders extra, 8(3), 393–401. https://doi.org/10.1159/000493340
  6. Tarawneh, H. Y., Menegola, H. K., Peou, A., Tarawneh, H., & Jayakody, D. M. P. (2022). Central Auditory Functions of Alzheimer’s Disease and Its Preclinical Stages: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cells, 11(6), 1007. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells11061007
  7. Lin, F. R., Metter, E. J., O’Brien, R. J., Resnick, S. M., Zonderman, A. B., & Ferrucci, L. (2011). Hearing loss and incident dementia. Archives of neurology, 68(2), 214–220. https://doi.org/10.1001/archneurol.2010.362
  8. Yuan, J., Sun, Y., Sang, S., Pham, J. H., & Kong, W. J. (2018). The risk of cognitive impairment associated with hearing function in older adults: a pooled analysis of data from eleven studies. Scientific reports, 8(1), 2137. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-20496-w
  9. Livingston, G., Huntley, J., Sommerlad, A., Ames, D., Ballard, C., Banerjee, S., Brayne, C., Burns, A., Cohen-Mansfield, J., Cooper, C., Costafreda, S. G., Dias, A., Fox, N., Gitlin, L. N., Howard, R., Kales, H. C., Kivimäki, M., Larson, E. B., Ogunniyi, A., Orgeta, V., … Mukadam, N. (2020). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. Lancet (London, England), 396(10248), 413–446. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30367-6
  10. Lin, F. R., Pike, J. R., Albert, M. S., Arnold, M., Burgard, S., Chisolm, T., Couper, D., Deal, J. A., Goman, A. M., Glynn, N. W., Gmelin, T., Gravens-Mueller, L., Hayden, K. M., Huang, A. R., Knopman, D., Mitchell, C. M., Mosley, T., Pankow, J. S., Reed, N. S., Sanchez, V., … ACHIEVE Collaborative Research Group (2023). Hearing intervention versus health education control to reduce cognitive decline in older adults with hearing loss in the USA (ACHIEVE): a multicentre, randomised controlled trial. Lancet (London, England), 402(10404), 786–797. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01406-X
  11. Cantuaria, M. L., Pedersen, E. R., Waldorff, F. B., Wermuth, L., Pedersen, K. M., Poulsen, A. H., Raaschou-Nielsen, O., Sørensen, M., & Schmidt, J. H. (2024). Hearing Loss, Hearing Aid Use, and Risk of Dementia in Older Adults. JAMA otolaryngology– head & neck surgery, 150(2), 157–164. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoto.2023.3509
  12. Yeo, B. S. Y., Song, H. J. J. M. D., Toh, E. M. S., Ng, L. S., Ho, C. S. H., Ho, R., Merchant, R. A., Tan, B. K. J., & Loh, W. S. (2023). Association of Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants With Cognitive Decline and Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA neurology, 80(2), 134–141. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaneurol.2022.4427
  13. Ying, G., Zhao, G., Xu, X., Su, S., & Xie, X. (2023). Association of age-related hearing loss with cognitive impairment and dementia: an umbrella review. Frontiers in aging neuroscience, 15, 1241224. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2023.1241224
  14. Loughrey, D. G., Kelly, M. E., Kelley, G. A., Brennan, S., & Lawlor, B. A. (2018). Association of Age-Related Hearing Loss With Cognitive Function, Cognitive Impairment, and Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA otolaryngology– head & neck surgery, 144(2), 115–126. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoto.2017.2513