April 2, 2023
As our population continues to age, the number of people affected by dementia is steadily increasing. Among the various risk factors associated with dementia, one that has gained significant attention in recent years is hearing loss. In this blog post, we'll explore the connection between hearing loss and dementia, the latest research on the topic, and how addressing hearing loss may help reduce the risk of developing dementia.
The Link Between Hearing Loss and Dementia:A growing body of evidence suggests that there is a strong link between untreated hearing loss and an increased risk of developing dementia. According to a 2020 Lancet commission report, hearing loss is one of the top risk factors for dementia, and it is estimated to account for 8% of dementia cases worldwide.
There are several ways in which hearing loss may contribute to the development of dementia:
Several studies have investigated the relationship between hearing loss and dementia, shedding light on the potential benefits of addressing hearing loss in preventing or slowing cognitive decline.
In 2014, researchers followed more than 4,000 people aged 65 and older for 12 years, finding that those with hearing loss were more likely to develop dementia than those with normal hearing.
In 2018, a longitudinal study found that participants who wore hearing aids showed better memory abilities than those who did not, with the benefits being even greater for those who started using hearing aids earlier.
In 2021, a study looked at patients with mild cognitive impairment or early signs of dementia. Those who chose to wear hearing aids experienced a stabilization in their cognitive decline, whereas those who did not use hearing aids saw their dementia symptoms worsen over time.
Although more research is needed to confirm the relationship between hearing loss and dementia, current evidence suggests that addressing hearing loss may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
The 2020 Lancet commission report identified hearing loss as a potentially modifiable risk factor for dementia, meaning that taking steps to manage hearing loss could help reduce the risk of developing dementia. In fact, the report estimated that addressing hearing loss in mid-life could potentially prevent one in three cases of dementia.
And now in 2023, a study led by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has provided more insight into the relationship between hearing loss and dementia. They found that older adults with greater severity of hearing loss were more likely to have dementia. However, the likelihood of dementia was lower among hearing aid users compared to non-users. These findings support the idea that hearing loss may be a contributing factor to dementia risk over time, and that treating hearing loss could potentially lower dementia risk.
The study, which analyzed a nationally representative dataset from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), covered 2,413 individuals. The researchers found a clear association between the severity of hearing loss and dementia, with the prevalence of dementia being 61% higher among participants with moderate/severe hearing loss compared to those with normal hearing. Interestingly, hearing aid use was associated with a 32% lower prevalence of dementia among the 853 participants who had moderate/severe hearing loss. This research adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that improving hearing care access and addressing hearing loss may have a significant impact on public health, particularly in relation to dementia prevention.
Hearing loss can sometimes be misdiagnosed as dementia due to overlapping symptoms, such as difficulties in communication and processing information. Furthermore, hearing loss can accelerate the onset of dementia or make its symptoms appear worse, while dementia can heighten the impact of hearing loss.
Given the potential benefits of managing hearing loss in reducing the risk of dementia, it's crucial to regularly check our hearing, especially for those over the age of 50. Once diagnosed, hearing loss can be managed with hearing aids, which can significantly improve communication and overall wellbeing, potentially reducing the risk of depression, social isolation, and cognitive decline.
