Can Hearing Aids Reduce the Risk of Dementia?

You can’t turn on the news or open your browser without hearing about the latest studies regarding hearing aids and their role in slowing the risk of cognitive decline.

Within the audiology community, we have known for years of the importance of hearing health and its relation to overall quality of life. These studies have finally garnered the world’s attention and cast a spotlight on this important topic. This post highlights the key takeaways from both studies and provides important next steps for anyone over the age of 60.

April 13th Study

A study published April 13, 2023 titled Association between hearing aid use and all-cause and cause-specific dementia: an analysis of the UK Biobank cohort indicated that individuals with untreated hearing loss may be more at risk of dementia when compared to those without hearing loss. This study is the largest of its kind, comprising 437,704 individuals in the UK Biobank Database, and is the most compelling evidence to date of this connection.

Self-reported questionnaires were used to collect data on hearing loss and hearing aid usage, while dementia diagnoses were determined through hospital records and death register data. The average age of participants was about 56 years old, with an average follow-up time of 12 years.

The results of the study found that those with untreated hearing loss were 42% more likely to develop dementia than those without hearing loss. However, the study found no increased risk among individuals who used hearing aids relative to those without hearing loss. This suggests that hearing aids, when used regularly, can reduce the risk of developing dementia.

However, hearing aid use is still relatively low. In the UK, researchers estimated around 80% of those with hearing loss did not use hearing aids regularly. As hearing loss can develop as early as one’s 40s, the study’s results highlight the urgent need for early intervention with hearing aids when hearing loss begins to develop.

July 17th – Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders (ACHIEVE)

The ACHIEVE study is making all of the headlines in the news. Published July 17, 2023 and first reported at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in Amsterdam, Netherlands on July 18th, this study found that early intervention (hearing aids) slowed cognitive decline by 48% in those at-risk.

Watch Dr. Julie featured on FOX31 discussing most recent study

Key components of the ACHIEVE study:

• Randomized trial of older adults aged 70-84 with untreated hearing loss who were free from substantial cognitive impairment, conducted at four U.S. sites.
• 977 total participants recruited from two study populations: 238 adults participating in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, and 739 healthy community volunteers newly recruited to the study.
• At the start of the trial, participants generally had mild to moderate hearing loss typical of the age, but exhibited no substantial cognitive impairment.

Three-year intervention included the following:

• Use of hearing aids
• Hearing “toolkit” to assist with self-management
• Consistent guidance from an audiologist.

After analyzing the data, the most interesting result was comparing the ARIC subgroup hearing intervention versus control, which showed a 48% slowing of cognitive decline.

Addressing Hearing Loss Early May Help Prevent Dementia

The key takeaway of these studies is that there is a link between hearing loss and the onset of cognitive decline. While the causal link between this is still unclear, these studies show that treating hearing loss through the regular use of hearing aids mitigates the risk of developing dementia by 42% relative to those who have untreated hearing loss.

Living with dementia, both for the person with the condition and for their loved ones, can be a challenging experience. Dementia refers to a decline in mental ability that is severe enough to interfere with daily life. According to the World Health Organization, around 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia, and that number is growing each year. In the US, over 9 million people are expected to be suffering from dementia by 2030.

In their book “Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity,” authors Bill Gifford and Peter Attia explore the science of longevity and what we can do to promote healthy aging. In this book, they discuss The Four Horsemen of Death, chronic disorders and diseases that herald the end of one’s life and greatly diminish the quality of that time. One of these Four Horsemen is a neurodegenerative disease, specifically dementia.

The main theme of this book is the importance of early detection and management. While dementia is best treated early, it is often best to be proactive and eliminate risks before they become a serious problem.

These studies offer definitive evidence that dementia is more common in individuals with hearing loss, but there is also a simple solution to decrease this risk. Hearing aids are a viable, easily available treatment that has been shown to drastically reduce this risk among those suffering from hearing loss. This is a major development, but it requires individuals to take action now before it is too late.

Proactive Care Now Prevents Dementia Later

If you or someone you care about lives with untreated hearing loss, it is essential that they address it quickly and effectively. Annual hearing tests detect hearing loss and determine whether hearing aids may be needed. Prioritizing hearing health today will help prevent cognitive decline in the future.

Dementia can be difficult to live with, but there is hope for better longevity. Taking care of yourself is the first step in not only preventing cognitive decline but living a healthier life overall. However, many people often neglect their hearing care despite the tangible benefits it can have on their quality of life. Taking the first steps toward addressing your hearing health can not only help you get back to living your life the way you intended but can help you down the road. Let us help you take the first steps.

At Sound Relief Hearing Center, we’re committed to helping people overcome auditory issues, including hearing loss, tinnitus, and hyperacusis. As a family-owned and operated audiology practice, we give patients the time they need while also offering the best technology available. With our unparalleled experience and dedication to each of our patients, Sound Relief is here to optimize your hearing health. Contact us at +1 (720) 259-9962 to schedule an appointment or talk with an audiologist today.