Untreated hearing loss is linked to Dementia.

There is growing evidence suggesting that hearing loss and dementia may be linked. Research studies have found that people with hearing loss may have a higher risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, than those without hearing loss.

Why?

One theory is that hearing loss may lead to cognitive decline because the brain has to work harder to process sounds, which can cause cognitive overload and ultimately damage cognitive abilities. When the brain is constantly straining to hear, and process sounds, it may become overworked and lead to a decline in cognitive function (Griffiths et al., 2020).

Additionally, social isolation due to hearing loss may also contribute to cognitive decline. People with difficulty hearing and communicating may withdraw from social activities, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Social engagement is important for maintaining cognitive function, and the lack of it may contribute to cognitive decline (Publichealth.jhu.edu, 2021).

Can hearing aids reduce the risk of Dementia?

Managing hearing loss with hearing aids has been found to significantly reduce the risk of developing Dementia, especially if it is treated early. A new study shows that, although hearing loss increases the risk of Dementia, using hearing aids lessens that risk. Hearing aids make it easier to process information, reducing the brain's workload (Hearing.com.au, 2014)

How can hearing aids help?

Studies have also found that by wearing aids, people are far more socially engaged. As one of the potential mechanisms of cognitive decline in people with hearing loss is social withdrawal, people who are more engaged with others have a lower risk of Dementia than those who are socially isolated. (NewsGP, 2023).

References

Hearing Australia. (n.d.). https://www.hearing.com.au/Hearing-loss/Management/The-link-between-hearing-loss-and-dementia#:~:text=Studies%20have%20shown%20that%20hearing.

 Hearing Loss and the Dementia Connection. (2021, November 12). Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2021/hearing-loss-and-the-dementia-connection#:~:text=If%20you%20have%20hearing%20loss.

 Lin, F. R. (2016). Hearing Loss and Dementia: Who’s Listening? 2016 AAAS Annual Meeting (February 11-15, 2016). https://aaas.confex.com/aaas/2016/webprogram/Paper16679.html

 newsGP - Hearing loss associated with increased dementia risk: Study. (n.d.). NewsGP. https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/hearing-loss-associated-with-increased-dementia-ri

The Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss | Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss

Want to reduce your risk of dementia? Get your hearing checked today - Harvard. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/want-to-reduce-your-risk-of-dementia-get-your-hearing-checked-today-202302162891