Did you know that people with mild hearing loss can be twice as likely to develop dementia? Dementia encompasses several neurodegenerative medical conditions that reduce cognitive functions – memory, thinking, decision making, behavior, etc. The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia is expected to increase exponentially, affecting 150 million people by 2050 – a sharp increase from 50 million currently. Significant research focuses on identifying modifiable risk factors that can change the trajectory of brain health. Numerous studies have shown that treating hearing loss improves cognitive functions, reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s.
Link Between Hearing Loss & Alzheimer’s
Numerous studies show a significant correlation between hearing loss and cognitive decline. Research has long identified hearing loss as a risk factor for conditions like Alzheimer’s. Countless studies that evaluate cognitive functions among people with and without hearing loss show that people with hearing loss are more likely to experience decline, contributing to the development of dementia.
This includes a recent study conducted by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. The study involved over 10,000 participants, age 62 and older, who did not have cognitive impairments at the onset of the study. After 8 years of collecting data on hearing and cognitive capacities, researchers found that participants with hearing loss were significantly more likely to experience cognitive decline. Specifically, the cognitive decline among these participants 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 reveal that even a mild hearing loss can increase one’s risk of cognitive decline substantially. This also highlights that people with severe hearing loss were more than 5 times more likely to develop cognitive decline.
How Hearing Loss Impacts the Brain
You are likely wondering how exactly hearing loss impacts the brain. Hearing loss not only happens in the ears but also in the brain. Researchers suggest that hearing loss can take a toll on the brain by causing:
- Brain atrophy: the areas of the brain that are associated with speech and language comprehension become less active because it is receiving less auditory input. This results in these portions of the brain being less stimulated and becoming inactive. This can lead to these areas shrinking which reduces cognitive functions and capacity.
- Cognitive overload: hearing loss reduces one’s ability to hear and process sound. This forces the brain to work harder to detect and understand words and sentences. Other parts of the brain can also try and compensate for the areas of the brain responsible for processing sound. Over time, this continuous stain on the brain can take away from other cognitive functions, leading to decline.
- Social isolation: navigating conversations with untreated hearing loss becomes challenging. Symptoms prevent people from being able to hear clearly and easily. This often leads to people avoiding conversations altogether. This includes spending less time with others, not participating in hobbies, skipping out on social activities, etc. Social withdrawal contributes to depressive symptoms (loneliness, isolation, stress) which can impact brain health. Additionally, this results in less stimulation and engagement for the brain which can lend itself to cognitive decline as well.
The effects of hearing loss on brain health can be significant and irreversible. Intervening as early as possible can prevent these risks and protect overall health.
Treatment Could Help Prevent Alzheimer’s
Hearing loss is most commonly treated with hearing aids – electronic devices that are equipped with advanced technology that helps process sound. This provides the auditory system with ample support, maximizing hearing capacity. Hearing aids alleviate symptoms and absorb sound, making it easier to hear. Studies have shown that this strengthens cognitive functions and the areas of the brain that are responsible for processing speech as well as sound. The strengthening of neural networks and cognitive capacities improves brain health and reduces the risk of cognitive decline and developing related conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
In addition to improving brain health, treating hearing loss offers countless benefits that can alter your daily life in incredible ways. This includes improving communication, relationships, social life, and confidence. Prioritize your hearing health today by committing to having your hearing evaluated. You can do this by calling us to schedule an appointment for a hearing consultation.