Hearing Blog

A Simple Device That Could Cut Your Dementia Risk - If You Act Before 70

New research reveals that one small device could significantly lower your risk of developing dementia—especially if you start using it before age 70.

As dementia diagnoses continue to climb across the U.S., experts warn that the number of Americans affected could double by 2060. But there may be a powerful tool for prevention: the humble hearing aid.

The Study at a Glance

Researchers tracked 2,953 adults aged 60 and older who were dementia-free at the start. Over two decades, participants underwent regular hearing tests and cognitive evaluations. About 20%—or 583 individuals—developed dementia.

• Adults in their 60s who began using hearing aids had a 61% lower risk of dementia compared to those with untreated hearing loss.
• Those with normal hearing had a 29% lower risk than peers who didn’t treat their hearing loss.
• After age 70, however, hearing aids didn’t offer the same protective effect.

Why Hearing Aids May Help

The findings add to growing evidence that hearing aids do more than improve communication—they may support brain health. A 2023 study found that hearing aids slowed cognitive decline by nearly 50% over three years in older adults already at high risk for dementia.

Researchers suggest several reasons:

• Cognitive strain: When hearing fades, the brain works overtime to interpret sounds, which can exhaust mental resources.
• Brain shrinkage: Hearing loss has been linked to faster brain atrophy, a known contributor to cognitive decline.
• Social isolation: Difficulty hearing often leads to withdrawal from conversations and social activities, reducing mental stimulation.

A Call for Early Intervention

Experts say the connection between hearing loss and dementia presents a critical opportunity for prevention. Yet hearing loss remains one of the most common—and most untreated—chronic conditions in the U.S.

According to Johns Hopkins:

• Nearly 27 million Americans over 50 have hearing loss.
• Only 1 in 7 uses a hearing aid.
• Most wait about 10 years before seeking help.

That delay can lead to communication breakdowns, strained relationships, and increased risk of depression and cognitive decline.

Source: medpagetoday.com