Hearing Loss and Dementia: Are They Linked?

Hearing loss can show up in many familiar ways: The TV volume turns up a few decibels higher, conversations become harder to follow and “Can you repeat that?” becomes one of your go-to phrases.

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But what’s happening to your body may not stop at how well your ears work. Growing research shows that hearing loss can be a significant risk factor for developing dementia.

So, what’s the link between your hearing and brain health?

We asked neuropsychiatrist Dylan Wint, MD, to explain the connection and how to keep your hearing and mind sharp.

Hearing loss may raise dementia risk by straining the brain, but early treatment like hearing aids can cut that risk in half.

Does hearing loss cause dementia?

“Cause” may be a bit strong, but there’s a definite association between hearing loss and dementia. Research shows that people with hearing loss are significantly more likely to develop cognitive decline than those without hearing loss.

Studies attribute up to 8% of dementia cases to hearing loss. The risk of dementia appears to increase as hearing loss worsens, too. Dr. Wint shares that:

Mild hearing loss is associated with about twice the risk of dementia.
Moderate hearing loss is associated with about three times the risk.
Severe hearing loss is associated with about five times the risk.

“This wasn’t a connection the medical community made until recently, but it turns out that hearing loss is one of the largest modifiable risk factors for dementia,” he says. “It has a downstream effect on cognitive health.”

How might hearing loss contribute to dementia?

While research is ongoing to understand the link, several factors seem to play a key role. These include:

Brain atrophy

Your auditory cortex is the part of your brain responsible for processing sound. That area of your brain receives less stimulation when hearing loss limits what your ears detect. Over time, it can begin to shrink.

“The auditory cortex actually starts to thin out in people with hearing loss,” Dr. Wint explains. “There is atrophy — literal shrinkage of the brain — from lack of input and stimulation.”

Effects may ripple throughout the brain, too, causing changes in memory-related areas that are tightly connected to auditory centers.

Mental strain

When sounds become harder to hear, your brain devotes more energy to figuring out what’s being said. That leaves fewer resources available for other tasks — like understanding, storing and recalling information.

“You’re robbing the brain of resources it needs for comprehending information,” Dr. Wint further explains. “It creates a vicious cycle where the brain becomes less efficient and less precise.”

Social isolation

Many people with hearing loss withdraw from conversations because keeping up becomes difficult. As those interactions dwindle, social isolation — a major risk factor for dementia — becomes a concern.

“I’ve heard many people say, ‘I don’t really get involved in conversations because I can’t keep track of what’s going on because of my ears,’” Dr. Wint shares. “That sort of withdrawal can contribute to cognitive decline.”

Research suggests that people who are socially isolated have about a 50% higher risk of developing dementia compared with those who remain socially engaged.

Long-term sensory deprivation

The earlier that hearing loss hits, the more likely it is that cognitive issues will eventually appear.

“For someone who loses their hearing relatively early, like in their 40s or 50s, there’s increasingly strong evidence showing a higher risk of dementia,” says Dr. Wint. “That’s likely because the brain is exposed to sensory deprivation for a longer period of time.”

Can treating hearing loss protect your brain?

Now the good news: “Treatment of hearing loss actually does protect people from cognitive decline and dementia,” says Dr. Wint.

In a large study known as the ACHIEVE trial, researchers followed people with hearing loss for three years. Those who used hearing aids cut their risk of cognitive decline by roughly half compared with those who didn’t use hearing aids.

How can you reduce your risk?

There are things you can do to protect both your hearing and your brain, says Dr. Wint. He suggests:

Protecting your ears from loud noise: Wear ear protection at concerts, sporting events and in other noisy environments. Even inexpensive foam earplugs can help reduce damage.
Not ignoring hearing loss: Many people wait years between noticing hearing problems and seeking treatment. Talk to a healthcare provider about a hearing test if you suspect an issue. “Early intervention makes a difference,” states Dr. Wint.
Using hearing aids if they’re prescribed: Hearing aids only work when you wear them. Keeping them tucked away in a drawer won’t help stimulate your brain or improve communication.

“We all want to have good hearing as we get older,” says Dr. Wint. “But when you consider what your hearing means for your cognitive health, it takes on even more importance. It’s worth paying attention to before it becomes an issue.”