Hearing Loss & Dementia

Impacting over 50 million people globally, dementia is a rapidly growing chronic condition. Dementia refers to a range of conditions that are characterized by cognitive decline. This includes: Lewy Body, Parkinson’s, and the most common: Alzheimer’s. These types of dementia affect cognitive capacities like memory, decision making, ability to concentrate, learning etc. This reduces a person’s ability to navigate daily life independently and has far reaching effects on overall health and wellness.

There are no cures for dementia so there is significant emphasis on identifying and mitigating risk factors. Identifying and addressing risk factors can reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Early intervention can also drastically support treatment and brain health. Extensive research shows that there is a correlation between hearing loss and dementia. Studies show that hearing loss can actually contribute to cognitive decline.

Hearing Loss & Cognitive Decline

Both hearing loss and dementia are chronic conditions that disproportionately impact aging adults. Hearing loss is the third most prevalent chronic condition that older adults experience. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders:
Seniors woman hearing loss , Hard of hearing
1 in 8 people have some degree of hearing loss in one or both ears
Man cupping his ear having difficulty hearing
25% for adults ages 65-74 have hearing loss
Senior Adult Woman Hearing Loss , Hard Of Hearing
50% for adults ages 75 and older have hearing loss
These statistics highlight the pervasiveness of hearing loss, especially among older adults. In addition to hearing loss, nearly 6 million people in the U.S. have dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association:
1 in 10 people age 65 and older has Alzheimer’s specifically
The number of people living with Alzheimer’s is projected to grow exponentially, reaching 14 million people by 2050.

Studies Linking Hearing Loss & Cognitive Decline

Extensive research shows a correlation between hearing loss and cognitive decline. Significant studies that identify hearing loss as a risk factor for brain health includes:

Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School

This study involved researchers examining data collected by a health survey conducted over an 8-year period. The study included 10,107 participants, ages 62 and older, who self-reported information about their hearing and cognitive health. Researchers found that cognitive decline was:

  • 30% higher among people with mild hearing loss
  • 42% higher among people with moderate hearing loss
  • 54% higher among people with severe hearing loss

These findings show that not only were the participants with hearing loss more likely to also develop cognitive decline but that the severity of hearing loss increased the risk of developing cognitive decline.

2013 Study, Johns Hopkins University

Researchers gathered and examined data on the relationship between hearing loss and cognitive decline for over 1980 adults. Using tests to comprehensively measure cognitive and hearing health over a 6-year period, researchers found that:

  • people with mild hearing loss were 24% more likely to experience cognitive decline
  • people with more severe hearing loss were 41% more likely to experience cognitive decline

These studies are among the growing body of research that establishes hearing loss as a risk factor for dementia. 

Studies Linking Hearing Loss & Cognitive Decline

Researchers suggest that hearing loss can impact cognitive health in the following ways:

Brain Atrophy

Specific parts of the brain are responsible for hearing and processing sound. With hearing loss, these parts of the brain function less and this inactivity can lead to deterioration.

Cognitive overload

Untreated hearing loss often requires people to overextend themselves to try to hear. This overworks the brain which is using a lot of energy to process incoming sound; overloading cognitive abilities.

Social withdrawal

Hearing loss strains communication which often leads to avoiding conversations and social interactions. Social withdrawal takes a toll on mental health which also impacts the brain.

Studies Linking Hearing Loss & Cognitive Decline

Treating hearing loss as early as possible can drastically improve hearing as well as overall health outcomes and quality of life. In addition to strengthening communication, treatment also improves relationships, social life, and ability to navigate daily life and responsibilities with greater ease. These benefits support cognitive abilities by providing the brain with the needed support to process speech and sound as you move through daily life.
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young nurse touching of dementia patient

Studies Linking Hearing Loss & Cognitive Decline

Treating hearing loss as early as possible can drastically improve hearing as well as overall health outcomes and quality of life. In addition to strengthening communication, treatment also improves relationships, social life, and ability to navigate daily life and responsibilities with greater ease. These benefits support cognitive abilities by providing the brain with the needed support to process speech and sound as you move through daily life.
Schedule An Appointment