Hearing Loss and Dementia

Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis (pronounced prez-buh-KYOO-sis), occurs gradually for many people as they grow older. Reportedly, about one in three people in the U.S. experienced hearing loss between the ages of 65 and 74, and nearly half reported difficulty after the age of 75. The causes of hearing loss vary, including past exposure to loud noises, medications, genetics, and conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.

Hearing loss is frustrating for those who have it and their loved ones as well. Additionally, research has linked hearing loss with dementia. In a study by Johns Hopkins, brain scans demonstrated the more severe the hearing loss, the greater the degree of atrophy of the brain, leading to dementia. Additionally, the social isolation resulting from hearing loss can contribute to the development of dementia. Studies have concluded that those experiencing dual hearing and vision loss are at a greater risk for dementia.

If the answer is yes to any of these questions, have your hearing checked.

  1. Do you consistently need help hearing what is being said on the TV or radio?
  2. Do you have trouble hearing what is being said in a group of people?
  3. Are you frustrated when talking to people because you can’t hear them clearly?
  4. Does being unable to hear what is said make you feel left out?
  5. Does your hearing loss interfere with your daily activities and social interactions?
  6. Do you pretend to hear what has been said and risk responding inappropriately?

What Can Help

  • Get a hearing evaluation, and if a hearing aid is recommended, give it a trial. They are much better than they used to be.
  • Utilize assistive listening aids on your phones in the form of amplifying devices.
  • Tell people about your hearing loss. Ask them to face you when they talk and to speak clearly and slowly but not shout.
  • Eliminate distracting background noises when trying to hear.
  • When in a restaurant, ask to be seated in a quiet area.
  • Use the closed-captioning option on the TV for subtitles so you don’t miss any dialogue.
  • Avoid loud noises. Use earplugs or protective earmuffs if you can’t.

Resources