Research shows that adults with even milder hearing loss have a higher risk of experiencing cognitive decline. Numerous studies show a significant link between hearing loss and cognitive decline which contributes to conditions like dementia. Dementia is an umbrella term that encompasses several medical conditions that deteriorate cognitive functions – Alzheimer’s is the most common. Dementia is incurable so identifying and treating risk factors is a useful way to reduce the risk of its development. Extensive research identified hearing loss as a modifiable risk factor, one that if treated, can reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
What is the Link Between Hearing Loss & Cognitive Decline?
Numerous studies highlight the correlation between hearing loss and cognitive decline. This includes one of the most significant studies, published in the Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association in 2019. To examine this link, researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, conducted an 8 year study that included 10,107 participants. Whent the study began, participants did not have any cognitive impairments. After 8 years, 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 severe hearing loss were more than five times more likely to experience cognitive decline. This study also reveals that the greater the hearing loss, the higher the risk is for developing cognitive decline. But how exactly does hearing loss affect the brain?
How Does Hearing Loss Impact Brain Health?
Both the ears and brain work together to absorb and process speech as well as sound. So hearing loss not only impacts the ears, but also the brain. To evaluate how exactly the brain responds to hearing loss, researchers at the University of Colorado conducted a study that monitored brain activity. They did this by taking electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings (which record brain activity) of adults and children with varying degrees of hearing loss. Their findings included that brain activity among people who had hearing loss showed:
- reduced activity in the areas of the brain that manage speech-language comprehension
- reorganization in the portions of the brain that process visual patterns
These findings align with the ways that experts suggest the brain is impacted by hearing loss. This includes brain atrophy which describes loss of activity and cells in specific parts of the brain that then results in shrinkage. This causes reduced functioning and can lead to cognitive decline. Additionally, because these areas become underutilized and inactive, other parts of the brain can intervene and try to compensate. This can lead to cognitive overload which overworks and strains the brain, also contributing to reduced functioning and cognitive decline. Another way the brain is impacted is through social withdrawal which is a common outcome of untreated hearing loss. Communication becomes challenging so people can often avoid conversations altogether. This results in spending less time with others, skipping out on events, not participating in activities and hobbies etc. Social withdrawal and increased isolation also results in less stimulation for the brain which can contribute to depressive symptoms as well as less engagement. This can contribute to cognitive decline as well.
Benefits of Treating Hearing Loss
The great news is that there are preventative measures you can take. Treating hearing loss offers numerous benefits including improving overall health. This includes reducing health risks that are associated with hearing loss like cognitive decline. The most common treatment for hearing loss is hearing aids. These are electronic devices that are equipped with dynamic technology that absorbs, amplifies, and processes sound. This provides the ears and brain with incredible support, maximizing one’s hearing capacity. Hearing aids simply make it easier to hear across all environments. This strengthens communication and has several health benefits including improving brain health. Research shows that hearing aids strengthen cognitive functions which reduces the risk of cognitive decline and developing related conditions like Alzheimer’s.
Treatment can profoundly change your daily life and transform the quality of your health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a hearing consultation. At Here Today, we offer comprehensive services and individualized care that is dedicated to identifying and treating your specific needs. Our team is here to support you on your hearing health journey.