One of the bigger recent headlines in the field of audiology is the growing research into the potential links between hearing loss and dementia. In this important episode, Dr. Sara Hanley, Au.D. gives an overview about what we can, and can’t, currently say about this connection. Watch more Q&As, then schedule your appointment with BNA.
Emily in Bloomington asks, “What should we know about the relationship between hearing loss and dementia?” Emily, this a really great question. As of right now, we cannot say that hearing loss CAUSES dementia. However, there are a lot of studies going on that have shown over and over that there’s definitely a connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline in older adults. In the most recent study that was published by Johns Hopkins last year, they announced findings that older adults with more severe forms of hearing loss are showing a significantly higher risk of dementia. The other cool thing they looked at in the same study is how hearing aid technology makes a difference. So, they found that hearing aid use was associated with a 32% lower prevalence in dementia for older adults with moderate and severe hearing loss. They also found that hearing intervention was showing a slow-down, or a stall, in the loss of thinking and memory capabilities by about 50%. Although we can’t say that hearing aid use is preventing or reversing dementia, it is really exciting that the data we’re seeing is showing that if we treat hearing loss, we’re seeing a much lower risk of dementia in our vulnerable populations. So if you’ve been hearing about a possible connection between hearing loss and dementia, you’re right. There is a connection there. We’re still getting more research about that and finding out more. But it is another good reason to come and have your hearing checked. I’m Dr. Sara Hanley from Bloomington-Normal Audiology, and we’re ‘hear’ for you.