Understanding the link between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline

As our population ages, we see many serious health issues arise.  One of the most significant concerns is a decline in cognitive function and dementia.  However, recent studies indicate that there is hope for prevention and improvement for those struggling with dementia and cognitive declines.  A study of researchers from Johns Hopkins and the National Institute on Aging have linked hearing loss to a great number of health issues such as dementia, hospitalizations, falls, and overall diminished physical and mental health.  The discovery of a link between hearing loss and dementia gives us a greater understanding of how to utilize hearing technology to protect the minds of ourselves and loved ones.

Link Between Hearing Loss and Accelerated Brain Atrophy

The ongoing Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging was started in 1958 by the National Institute on Aging.  Although its goal was to track various health factors in thousands of people, the statistical data has allowed researchers to draw important conclusions between hearing loss and cognitive decline.  According to Frank Lin, M.D., Ph. D, hearing loss may play a much more important role in our brain health than previously thought.

126 participants of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging received up to ten years of yearly MRI’s to assess brain changes.  Lin and his colleagues determined that participants that began the study with a hearing impairment had accelerated rates of brain tissue loss, in comparison to those with normal levels of hearing.  Those with a hearing impairment also showed significantly more shrinkage.  Shrinkage occurred in particular regions, including those structures responsible for processing sounds and speech.

 How Might Hearing Loss Lead to Dementia?

There are a number of possibilities as to how hearing loss might contribute to cognitive problems.  Brandeis University professor of neuroscience, Arthur Wingfield, asserts that reduced function may be a result of the “cognitive load”.  When a brain constantly strains to understand, the effort causes stress. Years of additional stress can reduce the brain’s resilience. 

Wingfield and Lin also suggest that hearing loss may affect brain structure in a way that contributes to cognitive decline.  Certain structures of brain cells actually shrink when they aren’t receiving enough activity. 

Social isolation is also an important consideration.  As hearing declines, people are more likely to avoid socialization.  Increased isolation has long been an attributing risk factor for dementia.

Preventing Cognitive Loss and Restoring Function

Though estimates on hearing loss vary, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders estimates that approximately 26 million Americans age 20-69 have a noise-induced hearing loss. Since a staggering 70-80% of people with a clinically significant hearing loss do not use hearing aids, there is much room for improvement. 

Dr. Lin suggests that if you have a hearing loss, it makes sense to get it treated as soon as possible. He states that, “If hearing loss is potentially contributing to these differences we’re seeing on MRI, you want to treat it before these brain structural changes take place.”  The potential of hearing technology to protect our cognitive function is worth considering sooner rather than later.

 You don’t have to live with untreated hearing loss.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our audiologists.

Orange County Physicians’ Hearing Services – (949) 364-4361