Does Hearing Loss Contribute to Cognitive Decline?

Hearing loss doesn’t just affect the way you perceive sound. It can negatively impact your health in multiple ways. There is evidence to suggest that hearing loss is associated with a greater risk of cognitive decline.

One study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that older adults with hearing loss had a 24% increased risk of cognitive impairment compared to those with normal hearing.

Why Does Hearing Loss Increase Risk of Cognitive Decline?

The reason for the link between these two conditions is not entirely known. However, there are several theories.

• Cognitive overload. Hearing loss makes your brain work harder to try and understand sound and speech. Your brain becomes overburdened and cannot function as well.
• Brain structure. If the areas of the brain that process sounds don’t get enough stimulation because of hearing loss, the brain may experience increased rates of atrophy.
• Isolation. People with hearing loss often experience frustration and anxiety in social situations due to their struggles to hear conversations. This can cause them to withdraw and isolate from others. Isolation is known to accelerate cognitive decline and dementia.

The Importance of Staying Engaged

One of the most important things you can do to prevent cognitive decline is to keep your body and your brain active and engaged. You can do this in a number of ways, including:

• Spend ample time with family and friends.
• Take up new hobbies or learn a new skill.
• Sign up for a yoga or Tai Chi class.
• Pick up a puzzle or sudoku book next time you’re shopping at MacArthur Center.

If you find that hearing loss is making it hard to engage, schedule an appointment for a hearing test.

Treat Your Hearing Loss to Prevent Decline

Hearing tests are simple examinations that give you quick results about the severity of your hearing loss. They provide valuable insight for your audiologist on how best to treat you. In most cases, they will recommend hearing aids.

Hearing aids can help prevent or delay cognitive decline by:

• Reducing your cognitive load by making it easier to hear and understand sound.
• Improving your social interactions and your confidence in your ability to communicate with others.

The sooner you get tested and treat your hearing loss, the healthier you will be and the better you will feel. If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment for a hearing test, call The Audiology Offices today.

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