Hearing loss can have multifaceted effects on overall health including contributing to cognitive decline. Studies show that people with hearing loss can experience an increased risk of developing cognitive decline. Cognitive decline is characterized by impaired cognitive functions like decision making, memory, communication, learning capacity etc. This can profoundly impact everyday life, ability to navigate independently, and relationships. Treating hearing loss offers countless benefits including supporting brain health in ways that reduce the risk of cognitive decline. This highlights the importance of prioritizing your hearing health.
Link Between Hearing Loss & Cognitive Decline
Numerous studies explore the link between hearing loss and cognitive decline. Research shows that hearing loss can increase the risk of developing cognitive decline. This includes a significantly cited study that was published in the Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association. Researchers comprehensively assessed the cognitive and hearing capacities for 10,107 people for 8 years. When the study began, participants did not have cognitive impairments and after 8 years of evaluation, researchers found that cognitive decline was:
- 30% higher for people with mild hearing loss
- 42% higher for people with moderate hearing loss
- 54% higher for people with severe hearing loss
These findings show that people with hearing loss were much more likely to experience cognitive decline, compared to people without hearing loss. Another important finding is that the greater or more severe the hearing loss is, the higher the risk is for developing cognitive decline. This study supports extensive research that identifies hearing loss as a risk factor for cognitive decline.
Impact of Hearing Loss on Brain Health
Hearing is a process that happens in the ears as well as the brain. A study conducted by researchers in the Department of Speech Language and Hearing Science at University of Colorado studied how hearing loss impacts brain health. This involved taking electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings of the brain of people with different levels of hearing loss. Researchers found that people who had hearing loss also experienced:
- less activity in the areas of the brain that are responsible for speech-language comprehension
- reorganization in the areas that process visual patterns
These findings support further research that highlights how the brain can experience atrophy and cognitive overload as a result of hearing loss. Hearing loss involves the brain receiving less auditory information. So the portions of the brain that are responsible for processing speech and sound become less active and stimulated. As a result of being underutilized, neural networks can be weakened and a loss of neurons can occur, weakening overall capacity. These effects can contribute to cognitive decline, taking a toll on brain health.
Benefits of Treating Hearing Loss
Fortunately, there are effective ways that hearing loss is treated and treatment supports brain health. Hearing aids are the most common treatment, these are hearing aids that help absorb and process sound. This provides the ears and brain with significant support, maximizing hearing and strengthening communication. Studies show that hearing aids strengthen cognitive functions which can reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Two important studies are:
- University of Melbourne Study: researchers investigated how hearing aid use impacts the brain by evaluating the hearing and cognitive abilities of nearly 100 people (ages 62-82), before and after the use of hearing aids. Researchers found that:
- “97% of participants showed either clinically significant improvement or stability in executive function (mental ability to plan, organize information and initiate tasks)”.
- Study Published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society: researchers facilitated memory tests with 2,000 people (ages 50 and older) and found that wearing hearing aids increased test scores. They concluded that hearing aids can change the trajectory of cognitive health among adults.
These studies highlight how hearing aids tremendously support cognitive functions and overall brain health.
Prioritize Your Hearing Health Today
The first step towards treatment is scheduling an appointment for a hearing test. This involves a painless process that assesses your hearing capacities in both ears. Once your hearing needs are identified, your hearing healthcare provider is able to tailor treatment to meet those needs. Treating hearing loss offers life-changing benefits including reducing health risks, strengthening relationships, enriching social life, and improving quality of life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a hearing consultation!