Hearing loss is common as we get older. Recently, research has shown a connection between hearing loss and other aspects of health, including dementia, but the connection is not yet fully understood.
Having hearing loss does not mean you will necessarily develop dementia. The risk of developing dementia is influenced by many factors, including age and genetics, and researchers are still exploring the impact of hearing loss.
Looking after your hearing, including having regular hearing checks and using hearing aids, can make communication easier and help you stay socially connected.
How dementia and hearing loss are linked
We do not yet know exactly how dementia and hearing loss are linked, and having hearing loss does not necessarily mean you will develop dementia.
Research shows, across large groups of people, those with hearing loss in mid- or later life are more likely to be diagnosed with dementia than those without hearing loss. This is a pattern, but it does not mean that hearing loss directly causes dementia, or that everyone with hearing loss will develop it.
Theories about why hearing loss and dementia could be linked
Researchers are still working to understand why hearing loss and dementia are often seen together.
There are some possible reasons that are being investigated. These are not proven causes, and RNID is committed to funding more research to better understand these links.
Listening effort
When hearing is more difficult, the brain has to work harder to follow conversations.
This could leave less mental resource for other thinking and memory tasks.
Social connection
Hearing loss can make conversations more tiring, which may lead to some people becoming more isolated and less involved in social activities.
This means they may have less mental and social stimulation which we know is important for brain health.
Changes in the brain
Some studies suggest that hearing loss may be associated with changes in how certain brain areas function over time.
This includes areas involved in processing sound, language and memory.
Shared underlying causes
Some researchers think that other health factors linked to ageing, such as vascular problems or broader changes in the body, could contribute to both hearing loss and dementia.
This means the relationship between them may be indirect, rather than one causing the other.
Looking after your hearing and your brain health
Looking after your hearing is important at any stage of life. This includes having regular hearing checks and protecting your ears from loud noise.
Managing hearing loss can help you:
- communicate more easily
- stay socially connected
- feel less tired and more confident in everyday situations
You can contact RNID for help finding information, services and support to manage hearing loss and stay connected.
Using hearing aids
Early research suggests that using hearing aids might help reduce the risk of dementia for some people. More research is needed to understand how hearing aids and other treatments may change the chances of developing dementia or how quickly it progresses.
Hearing aids can make a real difference to communication, wellbeing and quality of life, which supports social connection and overall brain health.
If you use hearing aids, wearing them regularly can make conversations easier and help you stay connected. If you’re having any problems, ask your audiologist for support or check our information on hearing aids.
If you’re worried about changes in your memory or thinking
It’s important to speak to your GP, who can offer advice, support and next steps.
You can find more information about dementia from the NHS.
You can also get dementia support from Alzheimer’s Society by phone, online or in your local area.
BSL users and dementia
There is very little research on the risk of developing dementia in deaf people who use British Sign Language (BSL) as their main language.
Most research so far has focused on people with hearing loss who develop hearing loss during their lives and who use spoken language.
Being deaf is not known to cause dementia. We do know that good communication access and staying socially connected are important for everyone’s wellbeing and brain health, whether they use spoken language or sign language.
You can find BSL information on dementia from the Alzheimer’s Society.
Research sources on hearing loss and dementia
Our information is based on recently published studies.
Research in this area is ongoing, and RNID is committed to sharing clear, accurate information as understanding continues to grow.
Reports and studies on the link between hearing loss and dementia
- Dementia prevention, intervention, and care
- Hearing loss as a risk factor for dementia
- Relationship between hearing loss, cognitive impairment, and dementia
Reports and studies on the impact of hearing aid use
- Self-reported hearing aid use and risk of incident dementia
- Association of hearing aids and cochlear implants with cognitive decline and dementia
- Hearing intervention versus health education control to reduce cognitive decline in older adults with hearing loss in the USA
- A review of the impact of hearing interventions on social isolation and loneliness in older people with hearing loss