Alzheimer’s and Dementia
How Ignoring Hearing Health Can Raise the Risk of Cognitive Decline
The Link Between Hearing Loss and Dementia
Dementia — including Alzheimer’s disease — is a progressive decline in memory, reasoning, and daily function. Hearing loss has emerged as one of the strongest and most preventable risk factors for dementia.
People with untreated moderate to severe hearing loss are two to five times more likely to develop dementia compared to those with normal hearing.
Why the Connection Exists
Researchers have identified several reasons untreated hearing loss accelerates dementia risk:
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Brain atrophy: Lack of sound input causes auditory regions of the brain to shrink.
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Cognitive load: Constantly straining to hear pulls mental resources away from memory and thinking.
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Social isolation: Avoiding conversations and activities reduces mental stimulation, a key driver of brain health.
The Research Evidence
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Johns Hopkins studies show hearing loss is strongly associated with faster rates of dementia, including Alzheimer’s.
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The World Health Organization identifies hearing loss as the #1 modifiable risk factor for dementia.
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Hearing aid users demonstrate slower cognitive decline and improved memory function compared to non-users.
What This Means for Patients
Treating hearing loss is about more than hearing better — it’s about protecting your brain for the future. Hearing aids restore sound input, help keep the brain stimulated, and support active social engagement — all powerful defenses against dementia.
💡 Did You Know?
Addressing hearing loss may prevent or delay up to 8% of dementia cases worldwide — making it one of the most impactful brain health strategies available today.