In recent years, it has become widely known that hearing loss has a correlation to dementia and cognitive decline. Studies have been primarily conducted by Johns Hopkins University under Dr. Frank Lin, M.D., Ph.D., a Professor of Otolaryngology, Medicine, Mental Health, and Epidemiology. Initial reports by The Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders study (ACHIEVE study) found that there is a significant correlation between hearing loss and dementia, which is described through 3 mechanisms: cognitive load, effects on brain structure, and social isolation. The study went on to inspire additional analysis to determine whether corrected hearing loss and/or hearing aids could potentially reduce the probability of cognitive decline.
In summary, the ACHIEVE study found that hearing loss takes your brain away from other functions because it is necessary to focus so much on working to hear that it increases a person’s cognitive load. The findings showed significant changes in the structure and function of the brain because of the increased cognitive load. Neuroscience tells us that the brain can be changed and molded by different activities even later in life. The stress of hearing loss will tend to cause someone to withdraw from conversations, group, and one-on-one activities. This can lead to a sense of loneliness and despair, affecting mental health and well-being. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a report in May 2023 on social isolation being a major risk factor for health and mortality. The report shows a strong relation between heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety, and dementia when a person has poor social connections or a reduced sense of belonging.
Fast forward to a study published in 2023 by Dr. Frank Lin and his colleagues that further investigated whether hearing aids would reduce the risk of cognitive decline. In this study, they completed an analysis of participants wearing hearing aids in a group that had higher risk factors for hearing loss in addition to a group of healthy volunteers. This study found that over a time of 3 years, there was a decrease in cognitive decline among those participants with higher risk factors for dementia. In conclusion Dr. Lin suggested that for someone with hearing loss, obtaining hearing aids is a low risk to take if you are concerned about the potential consequences of dementia. Hearing aids, when fit appropriately, are generally accepted by the user and have very little potential for harm. The information and studies that have been completed thus far are showing strong enough evidence to make every effort to correct hearing loss and with this has come greater access to affordable hearing care!
For more information on the studies described, please visit www.achievestudy.org
