The Alarming Link Between Hearing Loss and Dementia and Why Early Intervention Matters

Hearing loss is a common issue among older adults, but research shows it may do more than just affect hearing. A recent study published in The Lancet found that for every 10dB drop in hearing ability, the risk of dementia may increase by 24%. Given this strong connection, protecting hearing health among seniors is essential. Hearing aids and other hearing supports could play a vital role in reducing the risk of dementia in older adults.

Read on to learn why treating hearing loss should be a top priority in senior care settings and how to effectively identify and treat hearing loss in older adults.

Why Hearing Loss Correlates with an Increased Risk of Dementia

Daniel Troast, AuD, Audiologist at HearUSA

Hearing loss can have several significant impacts on an individual. “Hearing loss has the ability to increase cognitive load, which in turn requires more effort from the individual to understand speech and process sounds – causing mental fatigue and reducing available resources for other important tasks such as memory, attention, and problem-solving,” says Daniel Troast, AuD, Audiologist at HearUSA.

As individuals struggle with conversations in noisy environments, they may become more socially isolated and frustrated. Isolation affects brain structure and cognition, and when older adults go without social engagement, they can experience cognitive decline over time.

He notes that untreated hearing loss can also lead to physical safety risks. Since hearing loss can affect balance and spatial awareness, it can increase an individual’s risk of falling. Additionally, hearing loss can make it challenging for older adults to detect sounds within their environment, like sirens, alarms, and vehicles, resulting in numerous safety hazards.

“Additionally, diabetes and cardiovascular conditions are frequently linked to hearing loss,” explains Troast. “Low blood sugar can harm the nerves connecting the inner ear to the brain, and reduced blood flow to the ears can also contribute.”

The Importance of Treating Hearing Loss in Senior Care Settings

While hearing loss is widespread in older adults, it can also largely go untreated. The National Council on Aging reports that 37.5 million Americans, or 15% of adults, experience some level of hearing loss. However, just 1 in 6 people between age 20 and 69 have used hearing aids. Individuals who decide to seek treatment for hearing loss typically wait about 10 years before receiving treatment.

“One large reason hearing loss goes untreated is the stigma that tends to surround [hearing aids], leading some seniors to potentially deny or downplay the hearing loss they may be experiencing,” says Troast. “To combat this, modern hearing aids now prioritize smaller and more discreet designs, which helps instill confidence in wearers and encourages more individuals to seek out proper hearing care treatment.”

In senior care settings, hearing loss diagnoses may be delayed. “It is common for individuals to believe that hearing loss is a normal part of the aging process and neglect seeing a hearing care professional,” Troast explains. “However, this delay can prevent timely intervention which could significantly improve communication, cognitive function, and overall quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for managing hearing loss effectively.”

He notes that the gradual progression of hearing loss may also lead to a delayed diagnosis. Many people attribute their hearing difficulty to other factors, like a noisy room or how another person is speaking. Since hearing loss occurs gradually, it’s harder for individuals to recognize that the hearing difficulty is resulting from their own bodies.

Hearing aids provide numerous benefits, including helping wearers better discern speech and better detect and place the sounds around them. “By easing communication, individuals with hearing aids can more actively engage in conversations and social interactions, reducing the feelings of isolation and loneliness that have the potential to cause cognitive decline,” says Troast.

Additionally, hearing aids can make it easier for those with hearing loss to process auditory information. “When sounds are clearer and more audible, the brain doesn’t need to work as hard to interpret speech and environmental sounds, which in turn reduces cognitive load,” Troast explains.

“One of the greatest advantages of hearing aids is their ability to enhance overall quality of life,” he notes. “They can help users better understand conversations with others in senior care centers, as well as with family and friends, supporting greater engagement with their communities and helping maintain those important relationships.”

How Senior Care Communities Can Effectively Identify and Treat Hearing Loss

Residents should receive regular hearing screenings and hearing assessments from licensed audiologists, which can help identify hearing loss and monitor changes in hearing over time. Communities can establish partnerships with audiologists or hearing care specialists who may be able to provide on-site consultations, fittings, and follow-up care for hearing aids and other assistive devices.

“It’s additionally crucial for staff in these communities to receive adequate training to recognize signs of hearing loss,” Troast says. “This includes observing difficulties in understanding speech, frequent requests for repetition, increasing the volume on devices, and other related indicators.”

Staff members should also understand the basics of hearing aid technology in order to identify whether residents are wearing the devices properly and whether the devices are functioning.

Implementing hearing monitoring practices can help identify hearing loss early on, helping senior care community residents get the hearing support they need. “Many HearUSA centers have providers that are equipped with portable equipment to be able to go to these communities to provide hearing screenings, as well as hearing health seminars and basic training for staff,” adds Troast. Taking advantage of these resources can help provide residents with more comprehensive care, potentially reducing their risk of dementia and contributing to a better quality of life.

Paige Cerulli

Paige Cerulli is a contributing writer to i Advance Senior Care.