Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline: Examining the Link

Hearing loss and cognitive decline are both major issues in the current and future healthcare landscape. By 2050, when the proportion of people over 60 will have doubled, there could be more than 141 million people with dementia and 580 million people with hearing loss living in the world, with associated healthcare costs in the trillions of dollars.  

The Link Between Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline

Continuing research suggests that hearing loss and dementia are likely linked, and a recent Lancet study identified hearing loss as one of the highest potential risk factors for developing dementia. In fact, many of their symptoms are similar, including: 

• Confusion during conversation
• Changes in the methods and frequency of communication
• Mental fatigue
• Stress 

While there is no definitive proof of a causal relationship between hearing loss and dementia, the shared symptoms and correlation of incidence suggest the possibility of a common underlying pathology. This could explain the growing link between the severity of hearing loss and cognitive decline.  

Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment 

Research has indicated that proper early diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss can potentially soften the trajectory of cognitive decline later in life. The leading theories regarding the correlation between hearing loss and dementia both involve cause and effects, as seen below:   

• Information Degradation 

This theory suggests that hearing loss increases  

The demands on the brain’s resources, causing it to spend more cognitive energy as it strains to hear and understand information which can, in turn, draw energy away from other areas of the brain. As more brain power is used to decipher the auditory information coming in, other cognitive functions, such as memory, are reduced, contributing to cognitive decline.  

• Sensory Deprivation 

This theory suggests that hearing loss causes social isolation, as people become cut off from conversations and the community of shared information. When someone has trouble following what’s being said, they often lack the confidence to participate. This can make them withdrawn and disengaged socially, eliminating many of the complexities of everyday interactions that the brain relies on to stay sharp.  

Addressing Hearing Loss and Its Impact on Cognitive Health 

There’s still a need to determine the precise nature of the relationship between hearing loss and dementia, whether one condition might lead to the other or if a third factor might contribute to both. However, the evidence suggests that, at the very least, a connection exists.  

Hence, it’s possible that if hearing loss is diagnosed early and accurately and then treated properly, this may have a strong positive effect on future cognitive function and memory retention. Due to improved technology and design, hearing aids have become more adept at navigating the challenges of their auditory surroundings, making them a perfect tool to reduce the cognitive load for those with hearing loss, easing the stress on their memory and executive functions.  

Treating hearing loss as a public health issue and encouraging individuals to take advantage of relevant technological advances could potentially help lower the number of people who suffer from cognitive decline. 

Contact Hearing Solutions to Improve Hearing and Protect Cognitive Health 

If you or a loved one are experiencing signs of hearing loss, it’s important to take action. Hearing loss is not just about diminished hearing; it has broader implications that can affect overall well-being and cognitive health. By addressing hearing loss early with appropriate solutions, such as hearing aids, you can potentially reduce the cognitive load on the brain and improve quality of life. 

Contact Hearing Solutions at 1-888-811-9799 to book your free appointment. You can also book hearing loss appointments online.