A major study from Denmark using data from 573,088 people found that hearing loss significantly raises dementia risk in older adults. However, the increase was substantially less for those who used hearing aids, suggesting hearing aids help delay cognitive decline.
This is the largest study to date looking at the link between hearing loss and dementia. The study provides clear evidence of the relationship between the two.
- The researchers followed people 50 and older for up to 14 years.
- All underwent hearing exams classifying the degree of hearing loss.
- The scientists then analyzed medical records for subsequent dementia diagnoses.
"We found that the risk of developing dementia was 20% higher for people who didn’t wear hearing aids compared to people with normal hearing." —Manuella Lech Cantuaria, Ph.D., University of Southern Denmark
Key findings:
- Individuals with hearing loss faced a 7% higher dementia risk than normal hearing peers.
- The impact climbed to 13% for severe impairment, even after considering other influences like smoking and heart disease.
- Using hearing aids regularly slashed risk almost in half compared to those not wearing them.
- The benefit remained after adjusting for education levels and other socioeconomic differences.
Why it matters
You can reduce the risk of dementia by treating your hearing loss with hearing aids.
- Dementia's personal, emotional, and financial toll is too great to ignore.
- Untreated hearing loss increases the risk of dementia.
How it works
How hearing loss contributes to cognitive decline isn't fully understood.
- One hypothesis suggests that diminished auditory stimulation accelerates brain atrophy.
- Another is hearing loss increases cognitive overload, which diverts resources from other brain tasks.
- In both scenarios, hearing aids ensure a healthy amount of sound reaches the brain, a vital ingredient for brain health.
In the know
Dementia is impaired cognitive functioning that interferes with daily life. It is not a normal part of aging. Dementia involves
- Decreased memory and concentration
- Damaged sense of orientation
- Language disorders
- Personality and behavioral changes
Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia and accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases.
1 big idea
Hearing health preserves brain health.
Schedule a free hearing screening
Hearing loss is gradual and not benign. Untreated, it increases your risk of social isolation, falling, and dementia.
Check your hearing health with a free, 15-minute hearing screening by an audiologist.
Call 708-599-9500 to schedule yours.
► For facts about hearing loss and hearing aid options, download The Hearing Loss Guide.
Don't let untreated hearing loss threaten your health and happiness.
