Can Hearing Loss Increase Your Risk of Dementia? Experts Weigh In
Over two thirds of Americans over 70 have some form of hearing loss. New research has also linked hearing loss to an increased risk of dementia. Experts are sounding the alarm, encouraging older adults to understand their own risk and how to prevent memory loss. But, what is the link between hearing loss and memory and how can you decrease your risk?
The bombshell discovery came about after The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health published a study finding that older adults with moderate to severe hearing loss had a 61% higher prevalence of dementia compared to the larger population. MRI research has also confirmed that atrophy (loss of function) in the brain occurs faster in people with significant hearing loss. This is consistent with previous studies, outlining the link between hearing loss and memory loss. But why does hearing affect brain functioning?
Experts hypothesize that the link between hearing loss and dementia is due to the lack of auditory information that reaches the brain. Our brains turn this auditory information into data that we can interpret. This data helps us understand the world and people around us. When we are deprived of the normal auditory information our brains need, they cannot function properly and brain damage may occur. In short, we need sound to keep our brains working correctly.
The good news is that treating hearing loss early is a powerful way to lower your risk of dementia. Studies have found that older adults who use hearing aids and take steps to mitigate hearing loss are well protected from the neurodegenerative effects it can cause. It is important to see a hearing specialist annually, especially if you are over 60 and to talk to your doctor if you are experiencing hearing loss.
