Understanding the link between hearing loss and dementia

Hearing is connected to memory since our brain relies on auditory information to form and retrieve memories, said Dr Amol Patil, Senior Consultant, ENT, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital

Connection between hearing loss and dementia

Hearing loss increases the risk of dementia. (Pic source: Freepik)

With age, many people may experience hearing loss. In fact, WHO also states that nearly 2.5 billion people are projected to have some degree of hearing loss and at least 700 million will require hearing rehabilitation by 2050. But did you know that the ability to not hear properly (or completely) is also linked to an increased risk of dementia, which is characterised as a cognitive impairment that deteriorates memory, along with the ability to think or make decisions?

The 2020 ageing research by the Lancet stated that hearing loss is one of the top risk factors for dementia, estimated to account for 8 per cent of dementia cases — indicating that hearing loss may be responsible for 800,000 of the nearly 10 million new cases of dementia diagnosed each year.

But, the same report also mentioned that hearing aids could help cut the risk of dementia. How? According to the research, for which researchers looked at data from 437,704 people taking part in the UK Biobank study, “in people with hearing loss, hearing aid use could reduce risk of dementia”. “The evidence is building that hearing loss may be the most impactful modifiable risk factor for dementia in mid-life, but the effectiveness of hearing aid use on reducing the risk of dementia in the real world has remained unclear,” said researcher Dongshan Zhu, PhD, a professor at China’s Shandong University, in a statement.

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He added, “Our study provides the best evidence to date to suggest that hearing aids could be a minimally invasive, cost-effective treatment to mitigate the potential impact of hearing loss on dementia.”

Hearing aid can reverse the dementia risk caused by lack of hearing. (Pic source: Freepik)

Speaking with indianexpress.com, Dr Manpreet Singh Banga, Consultant Neurosurgeon, Belenus Champion Hospital Bangalore, said that multiple epidemiological studies conducted worldwide have shown that age-related hearing loss is independently associated with “decreased cognitive function and increased incidence of dementia”.

Adding that individuals having hearing loss demonstrate an accelerated rate of cognitive decline and an increased risk for cognitive impairment, he said that hearing aids and cochlear implants, however, can restore hearing and improve overall well-being as well as cognitive decline. “Recent analysis suggests that people with hearing loss, wearing a hearing aid or having a cochlear implant may reduce the risk of long-term cognitive decline by up to 19 per cent,” he stated.

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What to do if you experience hearing loss?

Dr Amol Patil, Senior Consultant, ENT, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital said that hearing is connected to memory since our brain relies on auditory information to form and retrieve memories. “Hence, hearing loss can interfere with this process and negatively affect memory function,” he continued.

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Below are things he suggests you should do if you are experiencing hearing loss:

1. Visit an audiologist: If you think you might have hearing loss, consult an audiologist for an assessment and suitable treatment options.
2. Use hearing aids: If advised by an audiologist, wear hearing aids to enhance auditory input and potentially reduce cognitive strain.
3. Stay socially engaged: Participate in social activities and maintain strong relationships to counteract the effects of social isolation.
4. Safeguard your hearing: Steer clear of loud noises and use earplugs when needed. Practice safe listening habits when using headphones.

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