Hearing Loss and Dementia
An untreated hearing problem can increase your risk of developing cognitive issues
Several studies have shown a high prevalence of cognitive decline and dementia in conjunction with hearing loss as people age (presbycusis), especially in those over age 65. Presbycusis is thus a risk factor for developing dementia.
Hypotheses have been suggested to explain how hearing loss is related to cognitive decline. Some of these explanations posit that hearing loss can lead to social isolation and thus contribute to cognitive aging, that it can cause a cognitive overload that impacts other cognitive processes like memory, or that it can change certain structures in the brain.
Although the exact mechanics of the relationship between hearing loss and cognitive problems aren’t yet known, it can still be said that hearing loss contributes in some way to the development of dementia.
On average, age-related hearing loss appears 5 to 10 years before the signs of dementia. As we know that both hearing loss and dementia add limitations to the sufferers’ daily activities, this information should not be taken lightly.
Consequently, getting a hearing test and using hearing aids could be a good way to slow cognitive decline and to enjoy all the other benefits of hearing better. Given this situation, everyone over age 60 should have their hearing tested on a regular basis.
BY VALÉRIE AUDET, Audiologist, Polyclinique de l’Oreille
