The link between hearing loss and cognitive decline

Hearing loss is more than a communication issue. Evidence shows it can raise dementia risk, but early treatment helps protect memory and brain health.

We often think of hearing loss as little more than an inconvenience, a missed punchline in a noisy restaurant or the frustration of constantly turning up the TV. But research is painting a very different picture.

Untreated hearing loss doesn’t just affect our ability to communicate; it has profound consequences for the brain. In fact, growing evidence shows that hearing loss is closely tied to cognitive decline, including dementia. This discovery is transforming how we understand hearing health, shifting it from issues of communication to a cornerstone of protecting brain health as we age.

What the evidence shows

Over the past decade, scientists have uncovered a strong link between hearing loss and cognitive decline. The findings suggest that the worse the hearing loss, the higher the likelihood of developing cognitive issues. One large analysis found that:

Mild hearing loss nearly doubles dementia risk.

Moderate loss triples the risk.

Severe loss is linked with a fivefold increase in risk.

These numbers are not isolated results. Research across countries and populations has consistently found that people with hearing loss are more likely to experience faster cognitive decline. Alzheimer’s Research UK has reported that hearing aid users are about 50% less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment compared to people with untreated hearing loss, and that using hearing aids could reduce the risk of long-term cognitive decline by 19%.

Why hearing loss affects the brain

The connection between hearing and brain health is complex, but researchers have identified several plausible explanations:

Cognitive overload

When hearing is impaired, the brain must work overtime to make sense of sounds. This constant effort diverts resources away from other important processes like memory and problem-solving. Over a long period of time, this extra strain may accelerate cognitive decline.

Social isolation

Communication is central to social life, and hearing difficulties often push people to withdraw from conversations and group activities. Unfortunately, social isolation is a known risk factor for dementia, impacting not only emotional wellbeing but also brain health.

Brain atrophy

The brain thrives on stimulation. When hearing deteriorates, parts of the auditory cortex receive less input. Imaging studies suggest this lack of stimulation may speed up brain shrinkage in regions linked to memory and cognition, reducing overall brain resilience.

The power of early intervention

The encouraging news is that hearing loss is one of the most modifiable dementia risk factors.

Hearing aids and cognitive health

Modern research shows that hearing aids and cochlear implants don’t just improve hearing, they may also protect the brain. For example:

The ACHIEVE trial, one of the most rigorous studies on the subject, found that older adults with hearing loss who used hearing aids and received audiology support experienced 48% slower cognitive decline over three years compared to those who didn’t.

Other reviews show that hearing aid users perform better on cognitive tests and experience slower rates of decline than those who let their hearing loss go untreated.

Why timing matters

When it comes to hearing health, timing is critical. A study published in JAMA Neurology revealed that people in their 60s who started using hearing aids had a 61% lower risk of developing dementia. Interestingly, this benefit wasn’t observed in those who began wearing hearing aids later in life, after age 70. This suggests that earlier intervention may help preserve brain function before irreversible changes take hold.

Despite these benefits, hearing aid use remains surprisingly low. Only around 17% of older adults with moderate to severe hearing loss use them. Barriers include stigma, cost, and outdated misconceptions that hearing aids are bulky or ineffective. However, today’s devices are small, discreet, and technologically advanced, many can connect to smartphones and adjust automatically to different sound environments.

Hearing health is brain health

The message is simple, looking after your hearing is one of the best things you can do for your brain. Yet many people wait far too long before seeking help. On average, people delay getting hearing aids for 7 to 10 years after first noticing symptoms. During that window, the risk of cognitive decline only increases.

Practical steps you can take

If you or a loved one has noticed changes in hearing, there are steps you can take to protect both hearing and brain health:

Get regular hearing checks. Start by midlife, around age 55, or sooner if you notice signs of difficulty. Routine hearing checks should be as normal as eye exams.

Don’t delay treatment. The earlier you address hearing loss, the greater the chance of protecting long-term brain health.

Use hearing aids with professional support. Research shows outcomes are better when devices are fitted and fine-tuned by an audiologist.

Stay socially active. Even with hearing difficulties, staying connected is vital, with hearing aids making social life easier and more enjoyable.

Challenge the stigma. Hearing aids are tools for living well, just like glasses. They’re not a sign of aging or weakness but of taking charge of your health.

A public health opportunity

On an individual level, treating hearing loss can improve quality of life, communication, and independence. On a societal level, it could have far-reaching effects. Dementia is one of the greatest health challenges of our time, and addressing hearing loss could help prevent or delay thousands of cases.

Book your hearing appointment today

Don’t put your hearing health on hold. If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing, or in the hearing of someone you care about, schedule an appointment with Hampstead Hearing. Our friendly, experienced team is here to answer your questions and provide the expert support you need, every step of the way.

Hampstead Hearing, part of the renowned Harley Street Hearing group, is a leading provider of independent, expert hearing and ear healthcare in the UK. We specialise in comprehensive hearing assessments, state-of-the-art hearing aids, tinnitus management, and a wide range of personalised services designed to support your hearing health.