Do Hearing Aids Help Prevent Dementia?
Dr. Andrea Liacouras is an audiologist who has been in practice for over 15 years and has worked extensively in the diagnoses and treatments of hearing loss and vestibular (balance) challenges. She holds a National Certification from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Dr. Liacouras earned her Master... more
Do hearing aids help prevent dementia? There are several ways that hearing loss can lead to dementia. The most obvious is a common physiological pathway that contributes to both hearing loss and cognitive decline. The second possibility has to do with what researchers refer to as "cognitive load." Cognitive load is the total amount of mental effort being used in the working memory. In addition, hearing loss may affect the brain's structure in a way that contributes to cognitive problems. Brain imaging studies show that older adults with hearing loss have less gray matter in the auditory cortex. Certain structures of brain cells can shrink when they are not provided sufficient stimulation. Social isolation may also play a part in the development of dementia. Hearing loss tends to isolate people from others. When you struggle to communicate, an individual is less likely to socialize in groups or go to restaurants. Being socially isolated has been recognized as a risk factor for cognitive decline, dementia, and depression. Researchers continue to analyze the relationship between hearing loss and dementia. Fewer than 20% of those with a clinically significant hearing loss use hearing aids. Can hearing aids prevent dementia? The answer seems to be yes for those with hearing loss.
