New Study on Hearing Aids Reducing the Risk for Dementia

Research on the connection between hearing loss and dementia makes it clear that something is going on between these two conditions. In raw numbers, those who have hearing loss have higher rates of dementia, but you might wonder if that is only because both of those populations tend to be older. In order to test for that, researchers compared groups that were otherwise statistically similar: the same age, gender, race, education, and so on. Even among people who seem to have so much in common, those who had hearing loss had higher rates of dementia. These studies have been verified time and again with different data and with populations in different parts of the world. One question remained for many years. Does the effect of hearing loss on dementia go away if someone wears hearing aids? 

Experts think about the connection between hearing loss and dementia in terms of the ability to understand conversations. Hearing aids make it much easier to understand what people say in conversations, so do they wipe out that effect on dementia? A new study brings great relief for those who have treated their hearing loss by wearing hearing aids. Indeed, hearing aids reduce the risk for dementia compared with those who have untreated hearing loss. Let’s take a closer look at the study coming out of Ulster University in Derry, England, considering just how beneficial hearing aids can be for your ongoing cognitive health. 

The Study

A team of researchers led by Magda Bucholc at Ulster University were interested to know what effect hearing aids would have on the transition from mild cognitive impairment to dementia. That process can take many years for some people, while the transition can be quite fast for others. They were also interested in the pace of dementia decline once the initial diagnosis is received. In order to learn about these relationships, they gathered a voluntary referral-based group of 2114 hearing-impaired patients obtained from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center. This group was known to have mild cognitive impairment but not yet a diagnosis of dementia. 

The study followed the participants over time to see who used hearing aids, who developed dementia, and how quickly those with dementia experienced cognitive decline. The results were striking. Those who used hearing aids were significantly less likely to develop dementia than those who had untreated hearing loss. For those who did develop dementia, the time of incidence was longer. In other words, among those who did develop dementia, it took an average of 2 years to happen for those who did not use hearing aids, whereas it took an average of 4 years for those who did wear hearing aids. 

The Explanation

Why would hearing aid use have such a profound effect? Previous studies have hypothesized the mechanisms connecting hearing impairment and cognitive functioning. According to this study, these explanations included “the reallocation of cognitive resources to auditory perceptual processing, cognitive deterioration due to long-term deprivation of auditory input, a common neurodegenerative process in the aging brain, and social isolation caused by both sensory and cognitive loss.” These theories do a lot to explain not only the connection between hearing loss and dementia but also why hearing aids would help so much. 

Hearing aids fill in the gaps in language that cause strain to the process of auditory processing. They supply the auditory input that could lead to deterioration, as well. Hearing aids even have an impact on social isolation, making people feel more willing and confident to engage with the world. When hearing aids are used consistently, they do a lot for the cognitive, mental, and social wellbeing of their users, a complex web that adds up to lower risk of dementia. 

If you have a loved one with untreated hearing loss, let these findings be greater encouragement than ever to get assistance in the form of hearing aids. Not only do these hearing aids make life easier and more enjoyable, but they have also marked benefits in other domains, including cognitive functioning. With the stakes being so high for adopting hearing aids, many of the common excuses don’t hold water. The time is now to get a hearing test and explore the possibilities of hearing assistance!