The Connection Between Untreated Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline

There is growing evidence to address the concern that hearing loss, particularly when untreated, can lead to cognitive impairment.

In this post, we will examine the link between hearing loss and conditions associated with brain health. Of these conditions, we will take a closer look at dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease and how your ear health increases your risk factor for these illnesses.

We will also look into the warning signs that may indicate you need a hearing evaluation to take control of your hearing and brain health.

What is Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss, classified as mild, moderate, severe, or profound, is defined by a diminished sense of hearing in one or both ears. 

To better understand hearing loss and how it comes about, below is a brief guide on the most common causes of hearing impairment. 

Hearing loss	Cause/s
Sensorineural hearing loss: Occurs when the inner ear is not functioning well	Aging/Noise damage medication side effectsTumor/s in the ear
Conductive hearing loss: The middle and outer ears are affected	Fluid and earwax buildupObstruction in the ear canalPerforated eardrumAllergic reactions
Mixed hearing loss: The inner, middle, and outer ear sections are all compromised	GeneticsInfectionsHead injuryAll of the causes listed for sensorineural and conductive hearing loss

If the hearing loss occurs in only one of your ears, it is called unilateral hearing loss or single-sided deafness. Bilateral hearing is used to refer to hearing loss in both ears at the same time.

What Does Your Hearing Loss Have to Do With Your Cognitive Function?

Cognitive function refers to the optimal running of your brain’s different components. This includes your sense of hearing.

In your brain, the right temporal lobe is responsible for processing the speech and sounds you are fed in your environment.

When your auditory mechanisms are no longer feeding the sounds as they should, it may lead to atrophy in the brain, further contributing to the risk of cognitive diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.

There are also some other ways in which untreated hearing loss can contribute to cognitive impairment and the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

An increase in cognitive load, due to working harder to process sounds results in precious brain power being channeled away from other functions, such as retaining memory and solving problems.

According to Frank Lin of Johns Hopkins Medicine, an inability to hear (and thus communicate effectively) can lead to social isolation. People may find it challenging to be around others or in a noisy social setting when they have difficulty hearing. Social isolation has been shown to impact your overall mental well-being and cognitive health, and, according to Lin, it can also increase the dementia risk. 

Along with the above, auditory deprivation may also increase brain disease risk in those with hearing challenges.

Signs That You Need a Hearing Evaluation

The evidence is clear. You cannot ignore your hearing issues in the hope that they will disappear. It’s not a bruise or a scratch.

If you are over 60, paying attention to your hearing health is even more pertinent, as your risk for presbycusis, hearing loss associated with aging, increases. According to the World Health Organization, a quarter of those in this age category experience hearing loss, with the number increasing as you age.

And then it’s no surprise that the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease also increases around this age.

By taking action and getting hearing loss treatment, you’re making sure that your brain disease risk decreases significantly.

A study over 20 years found fewer dementia occurrences in hearing aid users than those who reported hearing loss but did nothing to treat it.

To protect your hearing health and, in so doing, your cognitive health, look out for any of these warning signs that may indicate hearing loss:

• You hear muffled sounds
• You struggle to hear speech or words in a noisy environment, especially when two or more people are talking.
• You find yourself withdrawing from social situations to avoid the uncomfortable feeling of being unable to hear what others say.
• You find yourself increasing the volume of the TV or your calls
• You experience a ringing in your ears, also known as tinnitus.

If the above list reminds you of yourself, then it’s time to get a hearing evaluation done so you can plot a plan of action for managing your hearing loss.

Take The First Steps to Hearing and Cognitive Health

Your hearing and cognitive processes work together to provide a functioning auditory system. But when your hearing no longer does what it should, your brain structure and mental abilities are affected. 

Individuals with hearing loss can decrease their risk of cognitive disease by getting hearing treatment, such as hearing aids. This will prevent loss of brain function and improve your quality of life. 

To help you get the best care for your hearing loss, Hearing Associates of Las Vegas are standing by to provide skilled and expert advice on how to treat your hearing loss. 

Contact us today for a consultation.