Mounting evidence indicates that treating hearing loss reduces the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
For example, Johns Hopkins researchers calculated that people with hearing loss would develop cognitive impairment in less than eight years, while those with normal hearing would take 11 years.
Hearing aids are a critical preventive strategy in the fight against the dementia epidemic we are currently experiencing.
Why it matters
Untreated hearing loss jeopardizes physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being.
A closer look
A review of 25 observational studies and six clinical trials published in The Lancet showed that treating hearing loss with hearing aids or cochlear implants can lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementia in people with hearing loss.
For example,
- People who wore hearing aids had a 19% lower risk of cognitive decline and a 17% lower risk of dementia compared to those not receiving treatment.
- Wearing hearing aids can improve cognitive function in the short term.
The problem
- Untreated hearing loss increases the risk of dementia and mental health disorders. For instance, one study showed that older adults with untreated hearing loss were 47% more likely to have symptoms of depression.
- Untreated hearing loss can worsen pre-existing mental health conditions.
- Self-reported hearing loss corresponded with a higher risk of dementia, but this risk was not seen in people who wear hearing aids.
The answer
Treat hearing loss with hearing aids.
- Hearing aids reduce the risk of dementia, cognitive decline, social isolation, and other mental health conditions—and reduce the risk of falls.
- In 2013, a Johns Hopkins study found that declines in thinking skills happened faster with hearing loss than among those without it.
The benefits
Treating hearing loss with hearing aids—
- Reduces the risk of dementia and supports brain resilience.
- Reduces the risk of social isolation, falls, and further aggravating existing mental health disorders
Reduce your risk of dementia
Call to schedule a free, 15-minute hearing screening with an audiologist. Don't guess or delay knowing about your hearing health. Find out. If you have hearing loss, your audiologist will explain —
- How much hearing you've lost
- Whether your hearing needs treatment
- The hearing-aid options available to treat your hearing loss
Don't let untreated hearing loss take away your quality of life.
