Hearing loss in older adults is not just a minor inconvenience, it's a health issue that has been linked to various complications, including dementia. Recent aging research suggests a connection between the two conditions, leading scientists to speculate that hearing loss may be a causative factor for dementia.
Frank Lin, MD, PhD ’08, director of the Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health at the Bloomberg School, believes this emerging area of research holds significant implications. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, approximately 37.5 million Americans struggle with hearing issues.
One key question researchers are grappling with is whether hearing aids could potentially reduce the risk of dementia in individuals.
The connection between hearing loss and dementia is complex. A 2020 Lancet commission report indicates that individuals with hearing loss have an increased chance of developing dementia. Hearing loss is listed as one of the top risk factors for dementia.
Hearing loss can strain the brain as it struggles to hear and fill in gaps in sound reception. This strain might compromise other cognitive systems such as thinking and memory. Another theory suggests that hearing loss accelerates brain shrinkage during aging. Alternatively, social isolation resulting from hearing difficulties might lead to reduced intellectual stimulation which can affect brain health.
Hearing loss reportedly accounts for about 8% of dementia cases. This implies that nearly 800,000 out of almost 10 million new annual dementia diagnoses could be attributed to hearing impairment.
Johns Hopkins is spearheading a comprehensive study funded by the National Institute on Aging to determine if using hearing aids can protect seniors' cognitive functions. The study involves nearly 1,000 participants aged between 70-84 years with hearing impairment across multiple locations. One group is provided with hearing aids while another receives education about aging. By early 2023, this study aims to provide conclusive evidence on whether treating hearing loss can help mitigate cognitive decline.
In addition to its potential connection with dementia, hearing loss has other long-term health effects. It is believed to increase the risk of falls and depression and contribute to higher healthcare costs. Over a span of 10 years, individuals with hearing loss reportedly experience a 47% increased rate of hospitalization.
This article was originally published by John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
