Hearing Aids Can Slash Dementia Risk by 61% If Used Early

New research highlights a significant connection between hearing aids and reduced dementia risk, revealing that individuals who begin using them before the age of 70 can cut their chances of developing the condition by up to 61%. This finding comes as dementia cases are on the rise, with projections indicating that the number of affected individuals in the United States may double by 2060.

The study, which involved 2,953 participants from the long-running Framingham Heart Study, tracked the health of adults aged 60 and older who were initially dementia-free. Participants underwent hearing tests from 1977 to 1998, and were monitored for up to 20 years to determine who developed dementia. Over this period, 20% of the group, or 583 individuals, were diagnosed with the disease.

The research found that those who started using hearing aids in their 60s experienced a remarkable 61% lower risk of dementia compared to those who had untreated hearing loss. Additionally, older adults with normal hearing were 29% less likely to develop dementia than their peers with untreated hearing loss. Notably, hearing aids did not significantly reduce dementia risk for individuals who began using them after turning 70.

“Managing hearing loss during midlife — improving hearing with the use of a hearing aid — could help protect the brain and reduce risk of dementia,” stated Dr. Sudha Seshadri, a behavioral neurologist and co-author of the study, in an interview with MedPage Today.

The Link Between Hearing Loss and Dementia

This study contributes to a growing body of evidence suggesting that hearing aids can offer critical benefits for cognitive health. A separate study conducted in 2023 indicated that hearing aids could reduce cognitive decline by nearly 50% over three years among adults aged 70 to 84 who were already at high risk for dementia.

Researchers are still exploring why hearing aids appear to confer such benefits. One theory posits that as hearing diminishes, the brain must work harder to interpret sounds, leading to increased mental strain that can negatively impact memory and cognitive function. According to UCLA Health, this constant cognitive load may accelerate brain shrinkage, a process linked to cognitive decline.

Social factors also play a role, as individuals with hearing loss often withdraw from social interactions, resulting in decreased mental stimulation, another potential risk factor for dementia. The findings suggest that addressing hearing loss could present a valuable opportunity for early intervention in dementia care.

Improving Accessibility to Hearing Aids

Hearing loss ranks as the third most common chronic condition in the United States, affecting nearly 27 million adults over 50. Despite this, only one in seven individuals utilizes hearing aids, according to data from Johns Hopkins. Those who do often wait an average of 10 years before seeking assistance, during which time they may experience deteriorating communication abilities, strained relationships, and increased risks of depression and cognitive decline.

In a significant policy shift, the FDA approved a new category of over-the-counter hearing aids in 2022. This allows individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss to purchase the devices without a prescription, simplifying access to hearing care and reducing costs. As a result, these changes may not only improve hearing but also benefit cognitive health.

According to a study published in January, individuals over 55 face a 42% lifetime risk of developing dementia, with new cases projected to reach one million annually by 2060 without significant intervention. The far-reaching implications of dementia extend beyond memory loss, increasing the risk of various physical and mental health complications, including infections, falls, cardiovascular issues, malnutrition, and depression.

As research continues to uncover the links between hearing loss and dementia, the potential for improved hearing care to serve as a protective factor becomes increasingly evident. Encouraging early intervention and making hearing aids more accessible could represent a proactive step towards safeguarding cognitive health for future generations.