Columbia University research suggests the relationship between age-related hearing loss and cognitive decline also applies to people with "normal" hearing but who have lost some hearing. This loss of hearing is called hidden hearing loss or subclinical hearing loss.
Why it matters
- Schedule annual hearing screenings to identify any amount of hearing loss as soon as possible.
- Testing for and treating hearing loss with hearing aids presents no risk but offers a significant benefit.
- The relationship between hearing loss and cognitive decline is dose-dependent — a more severe hearing loss increases the odds of cognitive decline and dementia.
A closer look
While Dr. Golub's team previously found a relationship between hidden hearing loss and cognitive decline, the study participants did not represent the US population. The new study also looked at hidden hearing loss and cognitive impairment. This time, however, they used subjects more representative of the US population:
- Researchers analyzed 2,110 people over five years
- 70-79 years old
- 42% black, 58% white
- Multiple locations
Results
The new five-year study adds to mounting evidence pointing to a causal relationship between hearing loss and cognitive decline.
- Among subjects of all hearing abilities, the more significant the hearing loss, the more the decline in cognitive performance year to year.
- The 881 subjects in the study with hidden hearing loss had significantly steeper declines in cognitive performance year to year.
Why it matters
- Schedule annual hearing screenings to identify hearing loss as soon as possible.
- Don't delay treating hearing loss because the risk of dementia increases with the severity of the hearing loss.
- Testing for and treating hearing loss with hearing aids presents no risk but offers a large benefit.
Around two-thirds of adults aged 70 and older suffer from hearing loss. However, fewer than 20% of them wear hearing aids.
"Hearing loss is the largest modifiable risk factor for developing dementia exceeding that of smoking, high blood pressure, lack of exercise and social isolation." —Jane Brody, The New York Times, December 30, 2019
Why the link?
Researchers propose several possibilities, including the following.
- Hearing loss increases the risk of social isolation.
- Hearing loss changes brain structure, e.g., shrinking the temporal lobe, increasing the risk of cognitive decline.
- Hearing loss forces the brain to work harder interpreting sounds and speech, potentially exhausting brain resources for other thinking tasks.
Do you have hearing loss?
Determining if you have hearing loss independently is almost impossible, so schedule a free, 15-minute hearing screening with an audiologist. Don't guess. Find out.
If you have hearing loss, your audiologist will explain —
- How much hearing you've lost
- Whether your hearing needs treatment now or later
- How hearing aids mitigate the risks of social isolation, increased risk of falling, faster cognitive decline, and dementia.
