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Research shows that hearing may play a bigger role in brain health than many realize, but experts say early detection and care can make a difference.
REDLANDS, Calif. — A new study published in JAMA has found that nearly one-third of dementia cases may be linked to hearing loss. The findings underscore what many in the hearing care field have long suspected: untreated hearing issues don’t just affect conversations, they can also impact brain health.
“This isn’t the only study that shows a strong correlation between hearing loss, dementia cases and other cognitive decline,” said Rebecca Sieruga, an audiologist at Beltone Hearing in Redlands. “I know this is happening everywhere in various degrees of severity.”
The study, published in April, found that up to 32% of dementia cases in older adults may be tied to hearing loss. Nearly 3,000 older adults participated in the study over an 8-year period.
Why it matters: Dementia is one of the most pressing health challenges facing older adults and their families. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), more than 6 million Americans are affected by dementia. Researchers have also estimated that 42% of Americans over the age of 55 will eventually develop dementia.
While age is a key factor, hearing loss is now recognized as a potential contributor to cognitive decline.
“From my own personal experience, I do know of some patients who have shared recent concerns in their cognitive wellbeing or have mentioned dementia,” Sieruga said.
Many patients, she noted, describe struggling to keep up with conversations, filling in blanks when they don’t fully understand and having difficulty recalling what was discussed.
“These types of complaints come with hearing loss, but are also red flags for cognitive decline and dementia, especially when memory and engagement as a whole seem to be difficult,” she explained.
The connection comes down to how hard the brain is working to process sound.
“When someone has trouble hearing, their brain must work harder to make sense of sounds and conversations,” Sieruga said. “More energy is spent, leaving a person typically more tired at the end of each day.”
Over time, that extra strain leaves fewer resources for memory and decision-making. “Social isolation can then occur because people may withdraw from activities and/or conversations, and that lack of stimulation can further increase the risk of cognitive decline or dementia,” she added.
Because hearing loss is often gradual, the early signs can be subtle. According to Sieruga, families should watch for:
Other signs include feeling like people are mumbling, feeling more tired after conversations and experiencing tinnitus — sounds such as ringing, buzzing or humming that only the person can hear.
“All these early warning signs can be subtle,” Sieruga said. “Hearing loss is often gradual, so most people who have it will often feel like little has changed when, from an outside perspective, things are getting worse.”
Experts say the best defense is early detection.
“Regular hearing screenings for adults—especially as they age—are very important,” Sieruga emphasized. A baseline hearing test is recommended between ages 18 and 40, with annual screenings after 50.
If hearing loss is detected, treatment matters. “Using hearing aids or other assistive devices can help people stay socially and mentally active, which may lower their risk for cognitive decline,” she said.
According to the NIH, hearing aids can help reduce the rate of cognitive decline in older adults by almost 50%
The average pair of hearing aids costs about $2,100, according to the National Council on Aging, however the cost can vary from about $100 to $7,000. Some health insurance plans may help cover the cost.
Practical steps include avoiding loud environments or using hearing protection, lowering the volume on personal devices and getting screened regularly.
Beyond hearing, Sieruga encourages a healthy lifestyle: exercise, balanced diet, sufficient sleep and staying socially and mentally engaged.
“Addressing hearing loss early on has been shown in research to make a significant difference,” she said. “I encourage everyone to prioritize hearing health as part of their overall well-being.”
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