The Hidden Link Between Hearing Loss and Dementia

Written by Emily Seitl, MSc. Reg. CASPLO, Audiologist and Owner of Ears To You Hamilton. 

Hi, I’m Emily, owner and Audiologist of Ears To You in Hamilton. With January being Alzheimer’s Awareness month, I wanted to discuss a very important topic!

Hearing loss is a struggle for many seniors, with nearly 60% of adults in Canada experiencing hearing health issues. Did you know that hearing loss could impact more than just your ears?¹ Growing research reveals a strong connection between hearing loss and an increased risk of dementia.
A study from Johns Hopkins University found that older adults with moderate to severe hearing loss had a 61% higher prevalence of dementia than those with normal hearing ² . There is also a connection between the amount of hearing loss and risk of dementia, with studies showing that for every 10dB decrease in hearing, the risk of dementia increased 16% ³ ! 

So, what can you do? The first step is to get a hearing assessment. Many Canadians are unaware of their hearing loss, as it tends to happen gradually. Ears To You Mobile hearing clinic strives to make hearing health care as accessible as possible, offering complementary hearing assessments in the comfort of your driveway or home. If hearing loss is detected, research shows that hearing aids can significantly slow cognitive decline. In fact, over three years, hearing aid users experienced a nearly 50% slower rate of cognitive deterioration compared
to those without them ¹ . These results highlight the protective effect hearing aids may have against dementia. 

But why is this the case? There are several potential reasons for this association. One reason is that hearing loss often leads to social isolation, depression, and loneliness—all of which are linked to an increased risk of dementia. Additionally, when the brain struggles to process sounds, it uses up more cognitive resources, leaving fewer available for other important tasks – like memory formation ³ .

If you or someone you care about is experiencing signs of hearing loss—difficulty hearing in noisy environments, frequently asking for repetition, or
needing the volume turned up, etc. —it’s time to act. Early intervention can improve communication, strengthen relationships, and potentially slow cognitive decline!

Call or book your appointment today.

Better hearing is now right in your driveway!

¹ Lin, Frank R et al. “Hearing intervention versus health education control to reduce cognitive decline in older adults with hearing loss in the USA (ACHIEVE): a multicentre, randomised controlled trial.” Lancet (London, England) vol. 402,10404 (2023): 786-797. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01406-X

² Huang, Alison R et al. “Hearing Loss and Dementia Prevalence in Older Adults in the US.” JAMA vol. 329,2 (2023): 171-173. doi:10.1001/jama.2022.20954

³ Livingston, Gill et al. “Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission.” Lancet (London, England) vol. 404,10452 (2024): 572-628. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(24)01296-0