Posted Wednesday April 9, 2025
We all want to maintain our mental sharpness as we get older. Dementia, Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline are conditions everyone hopes to avoid. Did you know research has shown that untreated hearing loss plays a role in our ability to stay mentally sharp as we age? While researchers admit they don't know exactly how untreated hearing loss increases dementia and Alzheimer's risks, they do offer three probable reasons.
1. Hearing loss is linked to social isolation and loneliness
2. Your brain works harder with a hearing loss
3. Hearing loss accelerates brain shrinkage
And finally, hearing loss is shown to accelerate brain atrophy or shrinkage. Yes, believe it or not, our brains shrink as we age. But researchers at Johns Hopkins found that people with impaired hearing lost more brain tissue per year than peers with normal hearing, likely due to atrophy from lack of stimulation. Now, this data is not meant to scare you but rather inform you about the correlation between untreated hearing loss and cognition.
The Lancet Commission 2024 Study
Recently, however, there's been good news. A study by the Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention and Care concluded that managing or treating hearing loss in midlife is the single largest risk factor that you can modify for the prevention of dementia.
Achieve 2023 Study
Be proactive about your hearing and cognitive health
There are hundreds of reasons why treating hearing loss is good for your quality of life. The research linking hearing loss to cognitive issues is just one more incentive to treat hearing loss as soon as possible. If you're ready to be proactive about your hearing and your cognitive health, a visit with a hearing care professional is a smart first step. They can accurately test your hearing and consult with you on the best treatment options.
Ready for the next steps? Contact us to make an appointment.
Transcribed from Starkey Hearing.