Increased Risk of Dementia Linked to Hearing Loss

A study conducted by the University of Southern Denmark which incorporated 573,088 participants aged over 50, established a connection between hearing loss and an elevated likelihood of acquiring dementia. Notably, those with severe hearing loss had an increased risk of up to 20%. However, the use of hearing aids could decrease this risk, thereby suggesting a plausible preventative action against dementia.

Those experiencing hearing loss tend to exert more effort when it comes to listening. This could hinder their ability to carry out other cognitive tasks such as problem-solving and a range of other mental activities that our brains facilitate.

The associated research, which was conducted by the Department of Clinical Research at the University of Southern Denmark, used data collected from 573,088 individuals to determine a relationship between hearing loss and the onset of dementia. This study is currently the largest in this particular field.

Considering the continuous rise in dementia cases, largely due to the aging population, there are also other risk factors to consider such as lifestyle habits and hearing conditions.

Assistant Professor Manuella Lech Cantuaria from the same department at the University of Southern Denmark claimed that, despite prior studies suggesting a similar link, their study was larger and confirmed this connection.

Findings from the study reveal that individuals suffering from hearing loss are about 13% more likely to develop dementia as compared to those with normal hearing capabilities. This risk is elevated in individuals with severe hearing loss.

A distinction was also drawn regarding the difference in risk levels between individuals with or without hearing aids.

Cantuaria explains that those who don't use hearing aids have a 20% higher probability of developing dementia as compared to those with normal hearing. On the other hand, those who do use hearing aids have a 6% increased risk of developing dementia, implying that the use of hearing aids can potentially prevent or at least, delay the onset of dementia.

The findings are based on a cohort study where a group of people with similar features was observed over an extended period of time. The study analysed data from individuals aged 50 and above from the Southern Denmark region covering the period of 2003 to 2017. Individuals with diagnosed dementia prior to the beginning of the study were not included. Data on hearing abilities was compared with data on dementia development over the study period, resulting in a clearly defined link between hearing loss and the development of dementia.

The findings were published in the "JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery" journal under the title “Hearing Loss, Hearing Aid Use, and Risk of Dementia in Older Adults” by Manuella Lech Cantuaria and numerous others on the 4th of January, 2024.