Hearing aids could slash the risk of dementia by almost two thirds, new findings suggest.
Hearing loss has been strongly linked to neurogenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
While the exact mechanisms are unclear, one of the theories is that when the brain has to work harder to process a degraded auditory signal, it diverts resources from other cognitive functions, potentially accelerating cognitive decline.
With this in mind, a team of researchers in the US looked at data from 2,953 participants over a 20 year period to analyze how hearing aid use could help ward off signs of dementia.
From their analysis, they found participants with hearing loss who wore hearing aids had a 61 percent lower risk of dementia compared to those who did not wear the devices.
However, they highlighted that only 17 percent of individuals with moderate to severe hearing loss use hearing aids.
The researchers say the findings ‘underscore the importance of early intervention for hearing loss to reduce risk of incident dementia’.
The study’s finding show similar results to previous research. A 2023 study of nearly 1,000 adults by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine compared the rate of cognitive decline over a three-year period between people who did and didn’t receive hearing aids.
Hearing aids could slash the risk of dementia by almost two thirds, new findings suggest (stock image)
Researchers found those who received hearing aids had a 48 percent reduction in the rate of cognitive decline compared with people who didn’t get the devices.
In response, Professor Frank Lin, of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health, said: ‘These results provide compelling evidence that treating hearing loss is a powerful tool to protect cognitive function in later life, and possibly, over the long term, delay a dementia diagnosis.
‘But any cognitive benefits of treating age-related hearing loss are likely to vary depending on an individual’s risk of cognitive decline.’
Along with hearing loss putting an increased workload on the brain, Professor Lin believes that it can also make people feel more isolated and less socially engaged, which can contribute to dementia.
He explained: ‘When you have hearing loss, you may not be as socially engaged.
‘You may become more lonely or withdrawn. One thing we know about risk of dementia and cognitive decline is that if people don’t remain engaged with cognitively stimulating activities, it is not good for the brain.’
Hearing loss has been strongly linked to neurogenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, but it has so far been unclear whether it is a symptom or one of the causes behind the illness.
Age-related hearing loss is extremely common, with an estimated one in three people over 60 in the US having some degree of hearing loss, with women at a slightly higher risk than men.
However, only around a third of this population use hearing aids.
In the US, over 7 million individuals aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease with this number projected to nearly double to 13 million by 2050.
In the US, over 7 million individuals aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease with this number projected to nearly double to 13 million by 2050
It is thought to be caused by a build-up of amyloid and tau in the brain, which clump together and from plaques and tangles that make it harder for the brain to work properly.
Eventually, the brain struggles to cope with this damage and dementia symptoms develop.
Memory problems, thinking and reasoning difficulties and language problems are common early symptoms of the condition, which then worsen over time.
The condition is more prevalent among females, with around two-thirds of cases occurring in women.
The increased risk among women is attributed to a combination of factors, including women’s longer life expectancy, hormonal changes associated with menopause, genetic predispositions, and lifestyle influences.
Other risks for dementia include high blood pressure, lack of physical activity, smoking, alcohol use and uncontrolled diabetes.
Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids can be purchased directly from retail stores or online without a prescription or professional fitting by an audiologist.
However, audiologists can also provide prescription-strength hearing aids, which may be necessary for more severe hearing loss or for those who prefer a customized fitting.
Age-related hearing loss is extremely common, with an estimated one in three people over 60 in the US having some degree of hearing loss, with women at a slightly higher risk than men. However, only around a third of this population use hearing aids (stock image)
Many warning signs of dementia are often confused with normal aging. Common early symptoms include forgetfulness, repeating themselves, sudden changes in mood, inability to speak, and personality changes
Despite them being readily available, many people still don’t seek help or wear hearing aids because of the perceived stigma around them.
However, with technological advancements and a growing preference for sleek, discreet designs, hearing aids are becoming increasingly popular.
The hearing aids market is expected to reach $45.68 billion by 2031, an increase from $28.75 billion in 2024, which experts say is largely due to an aging population.
Previous research has suggested hearing loss can contribute to a faster rate of brain wasting as well as prompt social isolation – another known risk factor of mental decline.
Scientists also believe it may also make the brain work harder to the detriment of other mental functions like thinking and memory.
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