Dementia is an increasingly serious condition with no known cure, affecting millions of people worldwide. However, researchers are discovering that there are lifestyle factors that can significantly impact the risk of developing dementia. Among these, hearing loss stands out as a controllable risk factor that can accelerate cognitive decline and increase the chances of developing dementia.
In this blog, we’ll explore the connection between hearing loss and dementia. As well as how hearing aids can reduce your risk, and what you can do to protect your brain health.
The Connection Between Hearing Loss and Dementia Risk
Hearing loss is a widespread issue, especially as we age. Nearly 70% of individuals aged 70 and older experience some degree of hearing impairment. More than 25% of people aged 60 and above suffer from disabling hearing loss. The World Health Organization defines as a loss of hearing greater than 35 decibels (dB) in the better ear. While hearing loss might seem like a minor inconvenience, it actually has a profound impact on cognitive health. When hearing declines, the brain has to work harder to process sound, leading to cognitive strain. This added mental load can significantly increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Hope Lanter, Au.D., a lead audiologist at Hear.com, explains: “When someone struggles with hearing loss, their brain has to exert more effort to understand speech and follow conversations. This increased mental load can make the brain more vulnerable to conditions like cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. ”Studies have shown that even mild hearing loss can double the risk of dementia. For those with moderate hearing loss, the risk triples, and those with severe hearing loss are five times more likely to develop dementia.
How Hearing Aids Reduce Dementia Risk and Promote Cognitive Health
The good news is that hearing aids can play a crucial role in reducing dementia risk. Not only do hearing aids help people hear more clearly, but they also aid in memory retention and improve cognitive processing speed. While the research on whether hearing aids can entirely prevent dementia is still limited, recent studies have shown promising results.
A 2021 study by the Alzheimer's Association followed 939 participants aged 50 and over, all with hearing loss and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The study found that participants who used hearing aids had a significantly lower risk of developing all-cause dementia compared to those who didn’t use hearing aids.
The time to dementia onset was also delayed—hearing aid users experienced a median delay of four years, compared to just two years for non-users. Similarly, a 2019 study from the American Geriatrics Society found that hearing aids can delay the onset of dementia and help alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
Can Hearing Aids Reverse Dementia Symptoms?
While hearing aids are effective at delaying dementia onset, they do not reverse or stop the progression of dementia symptoms in individuals already diagnosed with the condition. In the Alzheimer’s Association study, participants diagnosed with dementia from the start were split into two groups: those who used hearing aids and those who did not. The research found that hearing aids did not have a statistically significant impact on mortality rates or extend the lives of dementia patients.
Why Do So Few People Use Hearing Aids?
Despite the clear benefits of hearing aids, fewer than 30% of adults aged 70 and over with hearing loss actually use them. The reasons for this are multifaceted. The most common barrier is cost—with hearing aids often priced at around $2,000 per device. However, cost is not the only factor at play. Stigma surrounding aging and disability is another significant deterrent.
Many adults feel that using hearing aids is unnecessary or uncomfortable. In some cases, individuals do not perceive their hearing loss as severe enough to warrant treatment. “I think the biggest reason most adults avoid hearing aids is the stigma associated with aging and the perception that hearing aids are unnecessary or cumbersome,” says Lanter.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Cognitive Health
If you are concerned about hearing loss and its potential impact on your brain health, it’s essential to take action. Start by speaking with your doctor about your hearing and exploring options like hearing aids. Taking proactive steps early on can help delay the onset of cognitive decline and reduce your dementia risk.
Key Takeaways
- Hearing loss significantly increases the risk of dementia and cognitive decline.
- Hearing aids can help reduce dementia risk by improving memory retention and processing speed.
- Studies suggest hearing aids delay dementia onset, but they do not reverse symptoms once dementia is diagnosed.
- Cost and stigma are the primary barriers to hearing aid use among older adults.
- Speaking with your doctor about hearing loss and potential treatments can help protect your brain health.
If you think your hearing may be affecting your cognitive health, don’t wait—schedule a consultation with your healthcare provider to discuss hearing aids and other preventive measures.
