Cognitive decline refers to a decrease in one or more cognitive abilities, including memory, awareness, judgment and mental acuity.
The Research
A 2013 Health ABC study of 1,984 older adults found a possible correlation between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline.
Compared to adults with normal hearing, participants with hearing loss had a 24% increased risk for cognitive issues like poor memory. The study found that an increase in the severity of a person’s initial hearing loss coincided with accelerated cognitive decline and incident cognitive impairment. This does not mean the increase is directly attributable to hearing loss. It only means that of the participants in the study, there was an identifiable increase in cognitive issues over six years for individuals who also had hearing loss when compared to participants with normal hearing.
The study stated a need for additional research into the underlying cause of this correlation, including whether hearing aids could slow the rate of decline.
Hearing Aids
In a 2023 study, researchers looked at over 3,000 older adults and enrolled 977 in a trial from 2017 to 2019. Half of these participants were part of an existing research group called ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities), and the other half were new participants. During the study, one group received hearing loss treatment, and the second received general health education.
Initially, when researchers looked at everyone together, they found no significant difference in cognitive decline over three years between the hearing intervention group and the control group.
A specific prespecified sensitivity analysis indicated a difference between the hearing loss treatment group and the control group, although this finding was not supported by additional prespecified sensitivity analyses that varied analytical parameters.
Is This Information Actionable?
Cognitive decline is complex. Because there are so many independent variables that can influence the nature of cognitive decline in individuals, there have not been any studies that have identified a definitive, statistically significant correlation between hearing loss and cognitive decline.
Many studies have found definitive links between hearing loss and its negative impact on communication, mental well-being and balance. Treating hearing loss will improve your ability to communicate effectively with others by enhancing your ability to hear and comprehend speech, allowing you to remain engaged in the world around you.
When correctly fit and programmed, hearing aids will enrich your auditory world.
Call Aaron's Hearing Aid & Audiology Center at (772) 562-5100 for more information or to schedule an appointment.