Hearing Loss and Dementia: What You Need to Know

Hearing loss isn’t just an inconvenience—it could impact your long-term brain health.

Groundbreaking research from The Lancet Public Health (2023) highlights a strong link between untreated hearing loss and increased dementia risk. The good news is early action can make a difference.

Latest Research: Hearing Loss Increases Dementia Risk

Dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms including:

  • Memory loss
  • Confusion
  • Personality changes
  • Difficulty with everyday tasks

It is caused by conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

Early Intervention = Better Brain Health

Wearing hearing aids doesn’t just improve hearing—it helps:

  • Reduce cognitive load
  • Support memory and concentration
  • Maintain social connection and independence

The earlier you act, the easier it will be to adapt.

Why Untreated Hearing Loss Matters

Hearing loss is now recognised as a top modifiable risk factor for dementia, meaning cases are expected to rise to 1.6 million in the UK by 2050. Protecting your hearing has never been more important.

Why is Hearing so Crucial?

  • Uncorrected hearing loss increases cognitive strain, as the brain works harder to process sound.
  • This effort can take away brain resources needed for memory and thinking.
  • It often leads to social withdrawal, which is a known contributor to cognitive decline.

Concerned about hearing loss for yourself or a loved one?