A doctor has highlighted that correcting hearing loss is the number one modifiable action to prevent dementia, potentially cutting the risk by almost half. Dr Steph, a specialist in Geriatrics and Internal Medicine, shared the advice in a TikTok video, stating: "It's just a reminder that the number one modifiable thing that you can do to prevent dementia is the correction of hearing loss."
She added: "So if you have any hearing loss and you wear hearing aids, you will cut your risk of dementia by almost half."
Hearing loss and dementia link
Untreated hearing loss significantly raises the likelihood of developing dementia, with the risk growing in line with the severity of the hearing impairment, according to the Alzheimer's Society. It has also been linked to a decline in memory and cognitive abilities.
This is because when those listening parts of the brain fall out of use, those regions can begin to deteriorate. Furthermore, the brain can become exhausted from expending so much mental energy simply trying to process sound. Hearing loss is also closely associated with social isolation and depression, both of which are independent risk factors for dementia, Dr Steph noted in the caption of her post.
Clinical trial evidence
She referenced a clinical trial by ACHIEVE (Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders), which discovered that wearing hearing aids cut the rate of cognitive decline by 48% over a three-year period amongst older adults who were at greater risk of cognitive deterioration.
Nevertheless, the Alzheimer's Society stressed that while the connection between hearing loss and dementia is not yet fully understood, it does not necessarily mean that someone with hearing loss will go on to develop dementia – simply that their risk is elevated.
Early signs and next steps
According to the NHS, common early indicators of dementia include short-term memory loss, difficulty managing everyday tasks, and changes in communication or mood. These symptoms tend to be mild and may deteriorate only very slowly over time.
The condition is frequently referred to as "mild cognitive impairment" (MCI) because the symptoms aren't serious enough to warrant a dementia diagnosis. If you're concerned about any symptoms, or suspect you or a loved one may have dementia, it's advisable to get in touch with your GP to arrange an appointment.
