Hearing Loss & Cognitive Decline
Hearing loss is the third most common chronic condition affecting seniors and when treated, is the single most modifiable risk factor in the prevention of dementia. Untreated hearing loss can increase the risk of cognitive decline by 200-500% depending on the degree of hearing loss. This means that even a mild hearing loss can increase the risk of dementia by 200%!
Some early signs of cognitive decline include:
- Challenges in planning or problem solving
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks
- Confusion with time or place
- Problems identifying words and names (e.g. “It’s on the tip of my tongue… what is that word?!”)
- Misplacing things more often than you used to
- Difficulty retracing steps
- Withdrawal from social situations
- Changes in mood and personality (e.g. Increase in frustration or anxiety)
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life (e.g. family members and friends getting upset with your forgetfulness)
A 2020 report in the Lancet medical journal on “Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and Care” lists hearing loss as one of the 12 modifiable factors contributing to a decline in cognition. They found that hearing loss was only associated with worse cognition in those not wearing hearing aids to treat their hearing loss. Hearing aid use was the largest factor found to protect people over 65 years of age from the risk of decline by 8%. This was eight times more effective than reducing obesity or diabetes, and four times more effective than reducing hypertension and increasing physical activity!
Social Isolation is also a factor listed by the Lancet report that can contribute to cognitive decline. More frequent social contact as we age is associated with lower dementia risk and can reduce this risk by 4%. Social isolation is also associated with hearing loss because those with difficulties hearing tend to withdrawal to avoid the embarrassment or stress of not being able to hear conversations. Hearing loss can affect a person’s confidence and increase depression the more they isolate themself.
While many people living with hearing loss may consider it to be “not that big of a deal” or “just part of aging”, it is important to understand that hearing loss is a progressive degenerative disorder that can significantly increase your risk of dementia, falling, as well as other comorbid disorders. Proper treatment of hearing loss is important not only to decrease the risk of dementia and falling, but also to increase your quality of life and reduce the experience of tinnitus. So, what is the “proper” treatment of hearing loss?
Properly fit prescription hearing aids from a hearing healthcare professional are programmed to your individual audiogram (hearing test results) and come with follow-up, counselling, and care of the hearing aids for the duration of their use (typically 5-7years). Yes, there are much cheaper options found online or at big box stores like Walmart and Costco. But one major factor to consider is that these over-the-counter hearing devices are increasing all sounds at the same level and not reducing any of the background noise you don’t want to hear, which often makes them very uncomfortable sounding compared to the tailored sound of prescription hearing aids. Modern prescribed hearing aids can seamlessly perform in different listening environments, automatically reducing background noise and enhancing speech without the need for manual adjustment from the user. They can also be Bluetooth compatible to connect with your electronic devices and TVs for streaming and volume control through an app if you wish to use them in this way. Your hearing healthcare professional can help tailor the hearing aids to fit your lifestyle, symptoms, cognitive and physical needs.
If you suspect you are having trouble with your hearing or cognition, don’t wait to have your hearing tested! The moment you accept your hearing loss and get the treatment you need, and deserve, you are committing to yourself (and loved ones around you) to have the best quality of life, remain confident and fiercely independent.