Living with untreated hearing loss can make going about your daily life difficult. As if that wasn’t reason enough to treat hearing loss, there are now many scientifically reviewed studies that show correlations between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline.
If you or a loved one is noticing signs of hearing loss and have yet to seek professional care, then I encourage you to keep reading this article.
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of hearing loss, you might be wondering which type of hearing aid is right for you. Hearing care is never one-size-fits-all, and neither are hearing aids. After all, our ears – just like our noses – come in all shapes and sizes. A custom-fit hearing aid can make a big difference in allowing you to hear the world around you.
The Largest Peer-Reviewed Study
In December 2022, CNN Health published a shocking article detailing the findings of one of the most in-depth studies conducted to date on the relationship between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline.
Conducted by Brian Sheng Yep Yeo, MBBS; Harris Jun Jie Muhammad Danial Song, MBBS; and Emma Min Shuen Toh, MBBS, the study was published in JAMA Neurology and includes data from 31 studies around the globe. The extensive meta-analysis includes 137,484 participants from various regions and 25 observational studies and six trials. It examines the association between hearing loss and cognitive decline over periods ranging from two to 25 years.
With the prevalence of subjective cognitive decline (SCD) among adults aged 65 years and older at 11.7 percent, the connection between untreated hearing loss and cognitive challenges is now more apparent than ever. We are thankful that this in-depth study has been conducted and hope the findings encourage more people to seek treatment for hearing loss.
Key Findings from the Study
The study reveals two significant findings:
Reduced Risk of Cognitive Decline
The use of hearing aids was associated with a 19 percent reduction in long-term cognitive decline. Senior study author Dr. Benjamin Tan, Dean’s Fellow at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, noted “Dementia is far easier to prevent than treat, and exceedingly difficult to reverse.”
Benefits for Mild Cognitive Impairment
Even patients who already started with mild cognitive impairment, also known as early dementia, benefitted from the use of hearing aids. They saw a lowered risk of approximately 20 percent for progressing to dementia. “This means that it is never too late to start using hearing aids, and early treatment may help to preserve the most cognition,” the study reveals.
The meta-analysis concludes that using hearing aids and cochlear implants is associated with a decreased risk of cognitive decline. Physicians are encouraged to strongly recommend these devices to patients with hearing loss. We think this is great news, as we know firsthand how transformative hearing devices can be for those who need them.
Key Takeaways for You
Although we all regularly have our teeth checked and our eyes tested and undergo annual physicals, too many of us still don’t prioritize having our hearing tested. A hearing test is simple, quick, and noninvasive, and it will allow you to understand your level of hearing and ensure any problems are managed quickly.
If you or a loved one is concerned about your hearing, then our team at Brampton Hearing Aid Services is here to help.
With appointments for new patients currently available, please call us at (905) 791-2203 to schedule a convenient date/time for your visit. Alternatively, you can request a callback, and a friendly member of our team will be in touch with you shortly.
With untreated hearing loss only worsening over time, it’s crucial to address these issues right away.
