Can Hearing Loss Lead to Dementia?

CLEVELAND - October is National Protect Your Hearing Month.

And there’s good reason to take that seriously.

Did you know hearing loss is linked to a higher risk of dementia?

Many people don’t realize there’s a connection.

“If you have mild hearing loss, you have twice the risk. If you have moderate hearing loss, then it's three times the risk. And if you have severe hearing loss, you have five times the risk of developing dementia of someone who has normal hearing,” said Dylan Wint, MD, neurologist at Cleveland Clinic.

Dr. Wint said when hearing fades, the brain has to work harder.

In addition, the part of the brain responsible for processing sound isn't used as much, causing it to lose efficiency.

This can make it harder to interpret sound, often leading to social withdrawal and isolation.

Social isolation is also a risk factor for cognitive decline.

The good news is treatment with hearing aids may help lower risk.

“In a study called the ACHIEVE trial, they took people with hearing loss, gave some of them hearing aids and some of them they didn't. And over three years, the risk of dementia was reduced by half in those who had the hearing aids,” said Dr. Wint.

If you notice your hearing is changing, he recommends asking your provider about a hearing check.