Growing evidence continues to highlight the strong connection between hearing health and cognitive function, with new research further underscoring the significance of this relationship.
Two recent studies—one published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia and another in Age and Ageing—provide additional insights into how hearing loss may serve as an early indicator of cognitive decline and how interventions, such as hearing aids, could play a role in reducing this risk.
Long-Term Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline
The first study, conducted as part of the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) in Norway, explored the long-term effects of hearing loss on cognitive function over a span of more than 20 years.
Researchers followed nearly 7,000 individuals, assessing their hearing at baseline and then measuring cognitive function in later years using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The results indicated a clear association: for every 10 dB increase in hearing threshold, cognitive performance declined, particularly in individuals under the age of 85.
Key findings from this study include:
- Hearing loss was linked to long-term cognitive decline, even after adjusting for potential confounding factors.
- Individuals under 85 years old exhibited the strongest correlation, suggesting that interventions in midlife and early old age could be particularly impactful.
- The cognitive decline associated with hearing loss was dose-dependent, meaning that more severe hearing loss was associated with greater cognitive impairment.
These findings add to growing evidence that hearing loss is not just a benign aspect of aging but a modifiable risk factor for dementia. Addressing hearing loss early could play a crucial role in maintaining cognitive health over time.
Hearing Aids and Cognitive Preservation
The second study, published in Age and Ageing, focused on the potential benefits of hearing aid use in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Conducted as part of the Treating Auditory Impairment and Cognition Trial (TACT), this pilot study examined whether hearing aid use could help slow cognitive decline in older adults already experiencing early signs of cognitive impairment.
Participants in the study were divided into two groups: one received hearing aids and personalized support for their use, while the control group received general healthy aging education and a recommendation for an audiological evaluation. After six months, researchers found:
- Hearing aid users were significantly more likely to wear their devices daily (75%) compared to the control group (22%).
- Cognitive function, as measured by standardized tests, showed potential benefits in those using hearing aids, though longer-term studies are needed to confirm this.
- The feasibility of implementing hearing aid interventions in individuals with MCI was demonstrated, paving the way for a larger, fully powered randomized controlled trial.
These findings suggest that hearing aids could be a valuable tool in preserving cognitive function, particularly for those already at risk for dementia. While previous studies have shown mixed results on whether hearing aids can prevent cognitive decline, this research emphasizes that structured support and early intervention may be key factors in maximizing their benefits.
Implications for Hearing Professionals and Consumers
For hearing professionals, these studies reinforce the importance of incorporating cognitive health discussions into audiology practice. Given the strong association between hearing loss and cognitive decline, routine hearing screenings should be encouraged for older adults, especially those experiencing early cognitive changes.
“Addressing hearing loss is about more than just improving communication—it may be a crucial step in preserving brain health. Those experiencing difficulty hearing, particularly in noisy environments, should seek an evaluation sooner rather than later.”
The Path Forward
Both studies highlight the need for further research to better understand the mechanisms linking hearing loss and cognitive decline and to determine the most effective interventions. The Norwegian study suggests that hearing loss precedes cognitive decline, reinforcing the importance of early detection. Meanwhile, the TACT study offers hope that hearing aids may help slow cognitive deterioration, especially if paired with proper support.
As awareness of the connection between hearing and brain health grows, integrating hearing care into broader health initiatives will be critical. Whether through public health campaigns, policy changes, or expanded access to hearing aids, taking proactive steps today could lead to better cognitive outcomes for millions in the future.
References:
- Myrstad, C., Engdahl, B. L., Gonzalez Costafreda, S., et al. (2025). Hearing and cognitive scores measured with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale in The HUNT Study, Norway. Alzheimer’s & Dementia. https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.14514
- Ruan-Ching Yu, Menelaos Pavlou, Anne G M Schilder, Doris-Eva Bamiou, Glyn Lewis, Frank Robert Lin, Gill Livingston, Danielle Proctor, Rumana Omar, Sergi G Costafreda, Early detection and management of hearing loss to reduce dementia risk in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: findings from the treating auditory impairment and cognition trial (TACT), Age and Ageing, Volume 54, Issue 1, January 2025, afaf004, https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afaf004
