The Acquired Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline Connection

As we know, for many of us, hearing plays a key role in our ability to communicate with others. If people cannot hear those around them, the ability to relate to those we work with daily or live with becomes significantly compromised. 

For many, amplification may be part of the solution, but for some, using any type of hearing assistance can be interpreted as a weakness. We know all too well that among those who have hearing loss, only a small percentage take advantage of technology to alleviate their hearing difficulties.

Many individuals with hearing loss find ways to adapt and compensate for their inability to hear well, but often do so in a way to disguise their hearing difficulties. For example, in a noisy restaurant, some may simply nod and not take part in the conversation, appearing to be listening intently. Some may be able to “fake” their understanding based upon their knowledge of the others they are dining with. 

An inability to hear may lead to withdrawal and negative self-perception (De Silva et al, 2023). Emerging evidence suggests hearing loss with no intervention may lead to cognitive and possibly dementia (Sue et al, 2017).

If you have a loved one who does not hear well, be mindful of their possible embarrassment. Presenting them with information regarding untreated hearing loss and dementia/cognitive decline is rarely an effective intervention. Instead, try to motivate them to hear better, so they will think better!  

References

da Silva JC, de Araujo CM, Lüders D, Santos RS, Moreira de Lacerda AB, José MR, Guarinello AC. (2023) The self-stigma of hearing loss in adults and older adults: a systematic review. Ear Hear. In press.

Lamia MC. (2023) The acquired hearing loss and cognitive decline connection: The silent shadows of acquired hearing loss are profound. Psychol Today (accessed August 25, 2023).

Su P, Hsu C C, Lin H C, Huang W S, Yang T L, Hsu W T, Lin C L, Hsu CY, Chang K H, Hsu YC. 2017. Age-related hearing loss and dementia: a 10-year national population-based study. European Archives Oto-rhino-laryngol 274(5):2327–2334.