Hearing loss and dementia risk

Does hearing loss cause dementia?

While there are many factors that contribute to the risk of developing dementia, multiple studies show that untreated hearing loss is connected to cognitive decline. In fact, hearing loss is the largest modifiable risk factor when it comes lowering the risk of dementia. Treating hearing loss with hearing aids helps to keep you mentally stimulated and protects against cognitive decline.

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Hearing aid use can help protect against cognitive decline

A new report published by the Lancet Commission shows that hearing loss is the largest modifiable risk factor against dementia. In fact, moderate hearing impairment can increase one's risk of dementia by 3-fold. This is because hearing loss leads to lowered mental stimulation, isolation, and, ultimately, cognitive decline. Fortunately, hearing aids have been shown to protect against cognitive decline by keeping the brain actively engaged in everyday life.

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There are ways to reduce the risk of dementia

The 2020 report by The Lancet Commission entitled: Dementia Prevention, Intervention and Care was released on July 30th, 2020. The latest research states that modifying 12 risk factors from childhood to late life could delay or prevent 40% of dementia cases. These lifestyle factors can be adjusted in order to reduce one’s risk for developing dementia. The 12 modifiable risk factors are presented below:

Untreated hearing loss and dementia
Of these 12 risk factors, an untreated hearing loss in midlife remains the largest modifiable risk factor of dementia. Additionally, the risk of dementia varies based on level of hearing loss.

• Mild hearing loss can double the risk of dementia
• Moderate hearing loss can triple the risk of dementia 
• Severe hearing impairment can increase the risk of dementia of up to 5 times that of those who do not have hearing impairment

The recent study by the Lancet also cites that “hearing loss might result in cognitive decline through reduced cognitive stimulation.” The study further recommends the use of hearing aids in those with hearing loss, as a way to protect against cognitive decline.

Age-related hearing loss and dementia risk 

Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is a common condition in older adults which occurs gradually during the ageing process. It often begins with difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments. There are two types of hearing loss which can increase a person’s risk of developing cognitive decline: 

Peripheral hearing loss which includes sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. This does increase a person’s risk of developing dementia.  

Central hearing loss, a rare hearing impairment which occurs when the central auditory processing system is impaired. This may be an early symptom of Alzheimer’s disease.  

How hearing aids can support your brain

Hearing aids support your brain by helping you to process sound so that you can keep your brain mentally stimulated. When hearing loss is present, it takes extra effort to keep up with conversations. This can lead to avoiding social situations and feelings of isolation. 

Our hearing aid audiologists recommend hearing aids as a means of staying socially engaged with loved ones and participating in meaningful activities. 

Sources:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4075051/
2. G Livingston, Jonathan Huntley, Andrew Sommerlad, et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. The Lancet. July 30, 2020.
3. https://www.oticon.com/professionals/brainhearing-technology/brainhearing-approach
4. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-dementia-symptoms-types-and-diagnosis
5. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/difference-between-dementia-and-alzheimer-s
6. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia
7. https://www.alz.co.uk/info/early-symptoms
8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21320988/
9. https://www.bsa.natcen.ac.uk/media/39130/bsa-33-attitudes-to-dementia.pdf
10. https://www.oticon.com/your-hearing/hearing-health/cognitive-decline