While it is well-established that untreated hearing loss can lead to an acceleration of cognitive problems, a recent study is the first to show that wearing hearing aids actually reduces cognitive decline associated with hearing loss.
Conducted by researchers with the Victor Segalen Bordeaux 2 University, the study followed 3,670 adults, ages 65 and older, over a 25-year period and compared the trajectory of cognitive decline among those who used hearing aids and those who did not.
The study indicates that people with hearing loss who wear hearing aids have the same risk for age-related cognitive decline as people without hearing loss. Conversely, cognitive decline is accelerated for individuals who have hearing loss and don’t use hearing aids.
For the first time, we have evidence that hearing aids are a prevention against accelerated cognitive decline in later years. That’s a powerful motivator for the more than 75 percent of individuals with hearing loss who could benefit from hearing aids but are reluctant to address their hearing health
says Donald Schum, Ph.D., vice president of audiology and professional practice for Oticon Inc., one of the world’s largest hearing aid manufacturers.
A number of studies have already shown correlations between hearing loss and greater risk of cognitive decline in older adults, including a pair of Johns Hopkins studies that found hearing loss is associated with accelerated cognitive decline and may also be linked to the onset of dementia in older adults.
The transition from sound to meaning happens in the brain,” explains Schum. “When hearing is compromised, such as with hearing loss, the sound signal that the brain is accustomed to processing is different and it takes more effort to fill in the blanks. This is why hearing loss can be so tiring and can drain the mental energy people need for everyday activities.
As a result, individuals may withdraw from social interactions because it’s too exhausting to try to keep up. Once withdrawn, depression and other related health issues set in, which have long been recognized as increased risk factors for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Hearing loss is the most common chronic health condition affecting older adults. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders:
- One in eight Americans (13 percent/30 million) ages 12+ has hearing loss in both ears.
- Among adults ages 70+ with hearing loss who could benefit from hearing aids, fewer than one in three (30 percent) has ever used them.
- Even fewer adults (approximately 16 percent), ages 20 to 69, who could benefit from wearing hearing aids have ever used them.
- The typical patient waits an average of 7 to 10 years before seeking treatment for hearing loss.
This study should be a wake-up call for people who are considering doing something about treating their hearing loss but have been delaying. It’s not just about hearing well today; it’s about the long-term effects of untreated hearing loss. – says Schum.
Sources: Businesswire.com; Brainhearing.com.
About Dr Zhanneta Shapiro
Dr Zhanneta Shapiro received her Masters of Science from Brooklyn College in 2005 and completed her Doctorate of Audiology from Florida University in May 2008. Her graduate training was in various hospitals in the tri-state area and a residency period completed at Ear Nose and Throat Associates of New York. [ Learn More ]
