The Link Between Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline

When people think about brain health, they often think about puzzles, physical activity, or eating more leafy greens. But one of the most overlooked—and critical—aspects of maintaining brain health is hearing health.

Growing research has identified hearing loss as one of the top modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. In other words, your ears play a bigger role in your brain’s long-term health than you might think.

Growing research has identified hearing loss as one of the top modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. In other words, your ears play a bigger role in your brain’s long-term health than you might think.

This article explores the powerful connection between hearing and cognition—and how early intervention may help protect your memory, attention, and overall quality of life.

Understanding the Brain–Ear Connection

Hearing isn’t just about your ears—it’s a complex brain process. Your ears detect sound, and it’s your brain that interprets it. When your hearing is compromised, your brain has to work harder to process sounds, especially in noisy environments. This extra effort is called cognitive load, and over time, it may contribute to fatigue and even structural brain changes.

Dr. Frank Lin, a leading researcher at Johns Hopkins University, has found compelling evidence linking untreated hearing loss to accelerated brain atrophy—particularly in regions of the brain associated with memory and speech comprehension¹.

Why Untreated Hearing Loss Affects the Brain

Here are some of the key ways hearing loss may contribute to cognitive decline:

1. Social Isolation
   When hearing becomes difficult, social interactions become frustrating or exhausting. Many people begin to withdraw from conversations, group settings, or social events. Social isolation is a known risk factor for dementia².
2. Cognitive Load
   Your brain must work harder to fill in the gaps when you can’t hear clearly. This extra effort takes away resources that would normally be used for other things memory and thinking¹, even being present and enjoying the activity is harder.
3. Brain Atrophy
   Studies using brain imaging have found that untreated hearing loss is associated with faster shrinkage of the brain’s auditory cortex and regions tied to speech, language, and memory¹.

Hearing Aids May Help Protect Brain Health

The idea that hearing aids do more than help you hear is supported by science. Several studies have now shown that wearing hearing aids may help reduce the risk of dementia, especially when used early.

According to a 2023 meta-analysis published in JAMA Neurology, researchers found that people with hearing loss who used hearing aids had a 19% lower risk of long-term cognitive decline compared to those who did not use them⁵.

Spot the Signs of Hearing Loss Early

One of the best ways to protect your cognitive health is to be proactive about your hearing. However, hearing loss often develops slowly—making it harder to notice in the earlier stages where treatment might have the most benefits. In fact, many people wait years before doing anything about it.

Common early signs of hearing loss include:

• Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
• Turning up the volume on the TV or radio
• Trouble understanding speech in noisy environments
• Feeling mentally drained and fatigued after conversations
• Loved ones mentioning your hearing seems “off”

The earlier hearing loss is detected and addressed, the better the potential outcomes—not just for hearing, but for brain function, too.

Hearing Screenings Are Quick, Easy, and Free at Beltone

We believe hearing care is health care. That's why we offer hearing screenings at our local offices nationwide. Our licensed hearing care professionals use the latest tools and technology to assess your hearing and recommend solutions personalized to your needs.

If hearing aids are needed, we’ll help you explore Beltone’s full range of advanced hearing devices, including discreet, rechargeable, and AI-powered models designed for real life—and brain-friendly hearing.

Take Action for Your Brain and Hearing Health

Hearing loss is one of the few modifiable risk factors for dementia. That means you can do something about it—starting today.

Here’s what you can do:

• Schedule a free hearing screening if you haven’t had one in the last year.
• Encourage loved ones to get their hearing checked—especially if they’re 60+.
• Stay socially active and engaged with others, even if hearing is a challenge.
• Choose professional hearing aids, not just over-the-counter amplifiers, to ensure customized, prescriptive benefits.
• Talk to your doctor about hearing health as part of your overall wellness.

Your brain—and your future—will thank you.

The Beltone Difference

We’re more than a hearing aid provider. We’re a partner in your long-term hearing health. For more than 85 years, we’ve helped people across the country improve their hearing, reconnect with loved ones, and protect their quality of life—one appointment at a time.

If you or someone you care about is experiencing signs of hearing loss, we’re here to help.

Sources

1. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Impaired hearing linked to accelerated brain tissue loss in older adults.
2. Livingston, G., et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission.
3. Pike, James Russell, et al. Cognitive benefits of hearing intervention vary by risk of cognitive decline: A secondary analysis of the ACHIEVE trial.
4. Lin, Frank R., et al. Hearing intervention versus health education control to reduce cognitive decline in older adults with hearing loss in the USA (ACHIEVE).
5. Yeo, Brian Sheng Yep, et al. Association of Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants With Cognitive Decline and Dementia.