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Untreated hearing loss may increase the risk of dementia

Study finds hearing aids reduce the risk of cognitive decline

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Mark Huffman
Reporter

Mark Huffman has covered consumer issues since 2004, with a special focus on protecting and empowering older adults. A former news correspondent for the Associated Press Radio Network, Westwood One, and ConsumerAffairs, Mark brings decades of journalistic experience to RetirementLiving.com. He is passionate about giving consumers a voice and helping them make informed decisions. Mark has also created educational content, including Senior Scam Alert, a video resource designed to help seniors recognize and avoid fraud. He holds a B.A. from the University of Kentucky and lives with his family in Richmond, Virginia.
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Key Insights

  • A new study published in JAMA finds that older adults with untreated hearing loss face a significantly higher risk of developing dementia.
  • Hearing aid use was linked to slower cognitive decline, suggesting treatment can help protect brain health.
  • Researchers emphasize early detection and hearing care as key steps in preventing dementia.

Hearing loss can be a normal part of aging. But a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) adds to growing evidence that untreated hearing loss is more than an inconvenience — it’s a serious risk factor for dementia.

The research, which followed thousands of older adults for several years, found that people with untreated hearing loss were up to twice as likely to develop dementia compared with those who maintained normal hearing. Even more striking: those who used hearing aids had a significantly lower risk of cognitive decline.

“These findings reinforce that hearing care is brain care,” the study authors wrote. “Addressing hearing loss may be one of the most effective, accessible ways to reduce dementia risk in aging adults.”similar to an IRA—so there’s no penalty if you decide to use the funds for general retirement expenses.

The study behind the findings

Researchers analyzed data from a large cohort of adults aged 60 and older, tracking hearing levels, hearing aid use, and cognitive performance over time. Participants underwent routine cognitive assessments that measured memory, attention, and executive function.

The results showed a clear pattern:

  • Untreated hearing loss was associated with accelerated cognitive decline and higher dementia incidence.
  • Hearing aid users, however, experienced cognitive decline rates similar to peers with normal hearing.

This protective effect was strongest among older adults who had significant hearing loss at baseline but began using hearing aids early in the study period.

Why hearing affects the brain

Experts believe the connection between hearing and cognition is multifaceted:

  • Cognitive load: When the brain has to work harder to interpret sound, fewer resources are left for memory and thinking.
  • Social isolation: Hearing loss can lead to withdrawal and loneliness — both linked to dementia.
  • Brain structure changes: MRI studies show that untreated hearing loss can cause shrinkage in areas of the brain responsible for sound and comprehension.

“People often dismiss hearing loss as a normal part of aging,” said one researcher, “but this study shows that leaving it untreated may actually accelerate brain aging.”

Hearing aids could be a protective tool

The study’s authors highlight that hearing aids are more than just devices to improve communication — they may act as a protective tool for long-term brain health. Yet, fewer than 1 in 5 adults who could benefit from hearing aids actually use them.

Newer over-the-counter hearing aids, approved by the FDA in recent years, are making treatment more affordable and accessible. Experts encourage anyone struggling to follow conversations — especially in noisy settings — to get a hearing test as part of routine health care.

What consumers can do

The message for consumers is simple: Don’t ignore hearing loss.

  • Get your hearing tested regularly, especially after age 50.
  • Treat hearing loss early. Hearing aids or other interventions may help preserve brain health.
  • Stay socially and mentally active. Engaging with others, exercising, and keeping the mind stimulated can reduce dementia risk.

“Addressing hearing loss isn’t just about improving quality of life,” the researchers concluded. “It’s a step toward protecting your mind for years to come.”