While hearing loss is often seen as a normal part of aging, it can actually be a precursor to other serious health concerns like cognitive decline and dementia. Cognitive function – the ability to think logically, learn, remember, and reason – is a cornerstone of our brain health and overall well-being. As we age, preserving these vital mental functions becomes increasingly important. 

The good news is there’s a powerful tool at our disposal to assist in this: hearing aids. In this guide, we explore the effects of hearing loss on the brain, and how hearing aids can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.  

Does Hearing Loss Cause Dementia? 

The connection between hearing loss and dementia is a growing concern for healthcare professionals. Recent studies indicate that people with higher degrees of hearing loss have a greater risk of cognitive decline and related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia1.  

According to researchers at Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, even mild degrees of hearing loss doubles the risk of dementia. This increases to triple the risk with moderate hearing loss, and for individuals with severe hearing loss, the risk of dementia increases fivefold1. It’s also important to note that these are not isolated findings.  

Numerous studies have consistently demonstrated a correlation between hearing loss and cognitive decline. However, this research also emphasizes the importance of addressing hearing loss and the critical role hearing aids play in safeguarding cognitive health. 

How Hearing Aids Support Cognitive Health

Hearing health specialist holding up ITE hearing aid, with two older adult people out of focus in the background, representing how hearing aids reduce the risk of dementia in older adults, seniors.

Hearing aids are far more than just sound amplification devices; they are powerful tools for cognitive health. Research shows that hearing aids can reduce the risk of dementia in older adults by almost 50%2. By addressing hearing loss, hearing aids offer many benefits that directly impact brain function and reduce the risk of related conditions like dementia. 

Below, we explore the multifaceted ways hearing aids support cognitive health and the specific mechanisms at play that can ultimately lower the risk of dementia.

Increased Auditory Stimulation

As we age, our brain tissues naturally shrink (atrophy). However, according to recent studies, the lack of auditory stimulation due to hearing loss can accelerate brain tissue atrophy3. 

Just like regular exercise strengthens muscles, our cognitive health thrives on mental stimulation. The sounds we encounter every day – and even while we sleep – provide essential auditory input that keeps the brain healthy and engaged.

Researchers theorize that the use of hearing aids helps regulate normal tissue atrophy by stimulating the areas of the brain responsible for cognitive function 2. This continuous auditory stimulation helps keep these vital neural pathways active, contributing to overall brain health. 

Reduced Cognitive Strain

Hearing loss puts considerable cognitive strain on the brain4. When our hearing is compromised, our brain needs to work overtime to try and interpret speech and other sounds. To compensate for this increased mental effort, cognitive resources are diverted away from other essential functions like memory and problem-solving.

Hearing aids alleviate this cognitive burden by making sounds clearer and easier to understand. By reducing the cognitive load, the brain can refocus on other mental processes, improving overall cognitive performance. 

Improved Social Engagement

Social interaction is crucial for maintaining cognitive health5. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that the risk of dementia goes up by 27% when older adults feel lonely or socially isolated6.

One of the most immediate benefits of hearing aids is enhanced communication. This enables active participation in conversations and social interactions. By fostering social connections and mental stimulation, hearing aids can combat feelings of isolation, contributing to better cognitive health and ultimately lowering the risk of dementia. 

Don’t Wait – Protect Your Hearing and Cognitive Health Now

Understanding the link between hearing loss and dementia is crucial. Regular hearing check-ups are essential to identifying hearing loss early on and getting treatment. If you think you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of hearing loss, the specialists at Hearing Lab in Wheaton are here to help. 

Take the first step towards protecting your auditory health and overall well-being by scheduling an appointment today.

References

  1. Huang, A. R., Jiang, K., Lin, F. R., Deal, J. A., & Reed, N. S. (2023). Hearing loss and dementia prevalence in older adults in the US. JAMA, 329(2), 171. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2022.20954  
  2. Hearing aids slow cognitive decline in people at high risk. (2023, August 22). National Institutes of Health (NIH). https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/hearing-aids-slow-cognitive-decline-people-high-risk  
  3. Armstrong, N. M., An, Y., Doshi, J., Erus, G., Ferrucci, L., Davatzikos, C., Deal, J. A., Lin, F. R., & Resnick, S. M. (2019). Association of midlife hearing impairment with Late-Life Temporal lobe volume Loss. JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, 145(9), 794. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoto.2019.1610  
  4. Bisogno, A., Scarpa, A., Di Girolamo, S., De Luca, P., Cassandro, C., Viola, P., Ricciardiello, F., Greco, A., De Vincentiis, M., Ralli, M., & Di Stadio, A. (2021). Hearing loss and Cognitive impairment: Epidemiology, common pathophysiological findings, and treatment considerations. Life, 11(10), 1102. https://doi.org/10.3390/life11101102 
  5. Shukla, A., Harper, M., Pedersen, E., Goman, A., Suen, J. J., Price, C., Applebaum, J., Hoyer, M., Lin, F. R., & Reed, N. S. (2020). Hearing Loss, Loneliness, and Social Isolation: A Systematic review. Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery/Otolaryngology–head and Neck Surgery, 162(5), 622–633. https://doi.org/10.1177/0194599820910377 
  6. Huang, A. R., Roth, D. L., Cidav, T., Chung, S., Amjad, H., Thorpe, R. J., Boyd, C. M., & Cudjoe, T. K. M. (2023). Social isolation and 9‐year dementia risk in community‐dwelling Medicare beneficiaries in the United States. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 71(3), 765–773. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.18140