Preventing Cognitive Decline: How Hearing Aids May Help Older Adults

While there are a variety of risk factors for developing MCI and Alzheimer’s Disease/Dementia, hearing loss has grown to become known as one of the most significant, modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline in older age².

Some risk factors for cognitive decline (including MCI and Alzheimer’s/Dementia) are:

• Age > 65 years
• Family history of Alzheimer’s or Dementia
• Diabetes*
• Smoking*
• High Blood Pressure*
• Obesity*
• Depression*
• Hearing Loss*
• Lack of Physical Exercise*
• Lack of mentally or socially-stimulating activities*

*These risk factors are considered “modifiable,” meaning your risk of cognitive decline could decrease with appropriate intervention and treatment for these risks^{3, 4}.

While not all individuals with hearing loss will be diagnosed with cognitive decline, it is important that individuals who are at risk for cognitive decline receive appropriate treatment and intervention to reduce their risk of cognitive impairment.

Why Does Hearing Loss Cause Cognitive Decline?
There are many reasons why hearing loss and cognitive decline may be related. First, hearing loss requires the brain to spend more energy on understanding speech and less energy on other vital functions like memory and attention. Second, individuals with hearing loss may be more likely to withdraw from social events and environments, leading them to become more isolated. This social isolation results in reduced mental stimulation and may lead to cognitive decline over time.

There is encouraging evidence that hearing aids and other hearing devices may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. These devices reduce the energy and effort the brain needs to understand speech, which allows the brain to use that energy for other essential functions. Additionally, hearing aids keep individuals engaged in their social environments, which prevents social isolation and promotes an active lifestyle. A study led by Frank Lin at Johns Hopkins University found that hearing intervention was associated with a 48% reduction in cognitive decline over three years for individuals at risk⁵. This suggests that addressing hearing loss may be a promising intervention for maintaining cognitive function in older age.

What Should I Do?
If you or a loved one have concerns about your risk of cognitive decline, we encourage you to reach out to your doctor for a discussion. They can refer you to one of our Ear, Nose, and Throat specialists, who may recommend a hearing test with one of our audiologists. Our team of audiologists will evaluate your needs and determine if you are a candidate for hearing aids or other assistive hearing technologies. Managing hearing loss can be an effective step toward reducing your risk of cognitive decline, supporting better quality of life and long-term health.

References
¹ Rajan, K. B., Weuve, J., Barnes, L. L., McAninch, E. A., Wilson, R. S., & Evans, D. A. (2021). Population estimate of people with clinical Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment in the United States (2020-2060). Alzheimer’s & dementia:  The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, 17(12), 1966–1975.

² Livingston, G., Huntley, J., Sommerlad, A., et al. (2020). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of The Lancet Commission. The Lancet, 396(10248), 413–446. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(20)30367-6

³ Omura JD, McGuire LC, Patel R, et al. Modifiable Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Among Adults Aged ≥45 Years — United States, 2019. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71:680–685. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7120a2

⁴ Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2024, October 24). Mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mild-cognitive-impairment/symptoms-causes/syc-20354578

⁵ Lin, F. R., Pike, J. R., Albert, M. S., et al. (2023). Hearing intervention versus health education control to reduce cognitive decline in older adults with hearing loss in the USA (achieve): A Multicentre, randomized controlled trial. The Lancet, 402(10404), 786–797. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(23)01406-x