Understanding the Connection Between Untreated Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline
About 10 years ago, research conducted at Johns Hopkins by Frank Lin, MD made waves amongst the hearing healthcare profession with his groundbreaking research studying the link between hearing loss and cognitive decline.
Of all the findings in that study, the main one of interest was the data demonstrating that untreated hearing loss was associated with an increased onset of cognitive decline.
In other words, those with untreated hearing loss showed measurable signs of cognitive decline seven years into the study, while those of the same age without hearing loss, showed similar cognitive decline ten years into the study.
The Groundbreaking Research That Changed Hearing Healthcare
This research has been manipulated and exploited by some in the hearing healthcare profession as well as marketing professionals associated with hearing aid manufacturers, which is unfortunate.
It is not unusual to see ads suggesting that hearing loss causes Alzheimer’s, hearing aids improve memory by 40%, etc.
I have tried my best in our marketing and in my counseling with patients to explain that while we do not know exactly what causes dementia, we know that as the brain ages, untreated hearing loss accelerates this aging process.
Correlation vs. Causation: What We Really Know
At a recent presentation at the Academy of Doctors of Audiology annual conference, I learned from Dr. Jan Blustein that the medical community needs to be careful not to confuse correlation with causation.
Put a different way, two things can occur together but that doesn’t necessarily mean that one causes the other.
For instance, being unmarried is also correlated with cognitive decline, but that doesn’t mean someone that is single or widowed will develop dementia at a faster rate than their married friends.
The Role of Cognitive Reserve in Aging
So, what does the correlation between untreated hearing loss and increased risk of cognitive decline tell us?
New research demonstrates that treating hearing loss provides people with something called cognitive reserve. Cognitive reserve helps us cope and successfully manage changes in cognition that happen due to aging, health conditions and genetics.
Not only does treating hearing loss increase the cognitive reserves known to help people manage the aging of the brain, but it is also associated with increased social engagement and decreased depression and anxiety.
It is well documented that the effects of isolation negatively affect cognition.
The Importance of Consistent Hearing Aid Use for Brain Health
In an Industry News article I put out not long ago, I wrote about how hearing well with hearing aids or cochlear implants reduces the cognitive load on our brain. Hearing loss causes people to work harder to hear and piece things together, which means it takes more “brain power” to hear.
Treating hearing loss removes this extra burden from the brain, allowing for more space in the brain to do other things. By reducing the cognitive load hearing loss causes, it frees up connections in the brain, reallocating that brain power to areas that need it.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Hearing Loss Research
Research will continue to provide answers on how hearing loss and other health conditions affect the brain’s aging process. What we can be sure of at this time is that treating hearing loss is still good for the brain. It’s also fantastic at allowing people to stay socially connected.
Social connection is so important for our brain and mental health. And remember, it’s not enough to purchase hearing aids or undergo cochlear implant surgery. You must also wear your devices consistently.
If you have any questions about the correlation between hearing loss and cognitive decline, contact us or email me at [email protected].
Related: The Link Between Untreated Hearing Loss and Social Isolation
