Groupe Forget - Polyclinique de l'Oreille
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Good hearing contributes to brain health

Hear well to age well!

Good hearing contributes to brain health: a key factor in healthy aging.

Over time, hearing loss can impact not only the ability to communicate and socialize, but also overall well-being.

Did you know that?

Hearing loss is one of many factors that can impact brain function and thus increase the risk of cognitive decline.

What are the links between hearing loss and brain decline?

Increased workload required from the brain

The brain of a person with hearing loss has to work harder to understand and decipher sounds that are difficult to hear. This means there is less energy available for other parts of the brain that need it.

Deterioration of brain function

Hearing loss causes a major decrease in the stimulation of brain cells in the auditory cortex. This malfunction results in permanent difficulty in perceiving and understanding speech.

Social isolation

Hearing loss causes difficulties in communicating and can cause a person with hearing loss to withdraw from social activities. Isolation can lead to depression and increase the risk of neurocognitive disorders.

Is it possible to prevent neurocognitive disorders (dementia)?

YES!

According to a recent study, 12 risk factors for neurocognitive disorders could be treatable and prevent 40% of different types of dementia.

Hearing loss is the most important modifiable risk factor.

What to do concretely to improve our overall health?

A hearing assessment starting at the age of 50 is the first step to determine if there is hearing loss.
Appropriate recommendations will then be given by the hearing health professional to help improve the situation.

Make an appointment!
  • Source: Hearing loss and Cognition Among Older Adults in the United States Frank R. Lin The Journals of Gerontology: Series A. Volume 66A. Issue 10, October 2011, Pages 1131-1136 https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona,glr115
  • Source: Livingston G, Huntley J, Sommerlad A, et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. Lancet 2020; 396(10248):413-46.