Cognitive Decline and Hearing Loss: Unveiling the Alarming Data

Hanan Merrill

Feb 25, 2024

The overlap of cognitive decline and hearing loss is a subject of growing concern within the medical community. Recent studies have unearthed alarming data that underscores the urgent need for heightened awareness and proactive measures to address this issue.

For individuals experiencing a hearing loss, understanding the potential impact on cognitive health is critical. This article focuses on the latest research findings, shedding light on the undeniable link between hearing impairment and an increased risk of cognitive decline.

The Landmark Study: A Global Perspective

A pivotal piece of research that has captured attention worldwide was highlighted in a comprehensive article by CNN Health in December 2022.

This groundbreaking study, led by a team of esteemed medical professionals, Brian Sheng Yep Yeo, MBBS; Harris Jun Jie Muhammad Danial Song, MBBS; and Emma Min Shuen Toh, MBBS, and published in JAMA Neurology, embarked on an exhaustive examination of the correlation between untreated hearing loss and cognitive deterioration.

Spanning across continents, the study synthesized data from 31 studies with a staggering 137,484 participants, offering a panoramic view of the issue at hand.

Revelations from the Study

The findings of this extensive research are both illuminating and hopeful. Key revelations include:

The study discovered that the utilization of hearing aids was linked to a significant 19% decrease in the risk of long-term cognitive decline. This insight is particularly poignant, emphasizing that interventions to improve hearing can also safeguard cognitive functions.

Remarkably, individuals at the initial stages of cognitive impairment also reaped benefits from using hearing aids. This subgroup experienced around a 20% lower risk of progressing to full-blown dementia, underscoring the message that it's never too late to take action.

The research unequivocally supports the adoption of hearing aids and cochlear implants for those with a hearing loss. This proactive approach could be a game-changer in mitigating the risk of cognitive decline.

The Imperative of Hearing Health

This extensive study serves as a call to prioritize hearing health alongside other routine health checks. With the prevalence of subjective cognitive decline (SCD) alarmingly high among older adults, integrating regular hearing assessments into our healthcare regimen is no longer optional but essential.

Taking Action: Your Hearing, Your Cognition

We stand at the forefront of addressing hearing loss with the latest diagnostic tools and treatment options. Our commitment to your auditory health is unwavering, driven by the understanding that preserving your hearing is intrinsically linked to maintaining your cognitive well-being.

If the thought of cognitive decline concerns you, or if you've noticed changes in your hearing, we're here to assist.

With accessible appointments for new patients, we invite you to take the first step toward safeguarding your hearing and cognitive health.

Schedule Your Hearing Assessment Today

Don't let untreated hearing loss cast a shadow over your cognitive health. Contact Nanaimo Hearing Clinic to schedule a comprehensive hearing assessment. Together, we can chart a course toward improved hearing and cognitive vitality.

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Request a Callback

Many of our patients wish that they had contacted us a long time prior to the moment that they did.

If you’re ready to start your hearing journey or would like to schedule an appointment, then you can either call the number below or complete the form on this page.

Don’t want to wait? Call Us at (336) 295-1064

Request a Callback

Many of our patients wish that they had contacted us a long time prior to the moment that they did.

If you’re ready to start your hearing journey or would like to schedule an appointment, then you can either call the number below or complete the form on this page.

Don’t want to wait? Call Us at (336) 295-1064

Request a Callback

Many of our patients wish that they had contacted us a long time prior to the moment that they did.

If you’re ready to start your hearing journey or would like to schedule an appointment, then you can either call the number below or complete the form on this page.

Don’t want to wait? Call Us at (336) 295-1064

Patient Stories

Read experiences from our patients

Hearing loss can make social get-togethers an isolating experience. As Shirley recalls, “Everyone around was conversing
Shirley Michaels
Gordon was aware of his hearing challenges but had refrained from seeking treatment.
Gordon Miller
Brett was a seasoned hearing aid wearer when he visited Nanaimo Hearing Clinic.
Brett Kluss
John can’t pinpoint the moment he became concerned about his hearing and suspects “it’s been life-long.” He considers his hearing loss “a determiner in life, though.”
John Townesend
Murray learned he had a hearing loss while “working at the Municipality of North Cowichan when they introduced yearly hearing testing.”
Murray McNab
"Charlie's hearing aids have helped him tremendously when interacting with others. 'I can now converse with friends,' he says.
Charlie Thompson
Chris’s wife was “getting more and more annoyed” with him because he couldn’t hear her.
Chris
“The world kind of dimmed around me, I missed conversations, and I missed jokes. I felt left out,” says Ilse
Ilse Holling
In 2009, when I retired from the marine construction trade, I felt I needed hearing aids. My brother Frank highly recommended Nanaimo Hearing Clinic & Oceanside Hearing Clinic
Stanley Strazza
I first realized something was up with my hearing when my wife kept telling me to “turn down the tv.” I
Mick Howland
About five years ago, I realized something was wrong with my hearing because I was missing out on parts of conversations with friends, and my family often corrected me when I misinterpreted what they'd said.
Dianne Ross
I first realized I might have a hearing challenge when I was always having to get people to repeat themselves, sometimes multiple times.
George Wood
I’ve always had issues with my ears since I was a baby, but I never realized how my bad hearing impacted my life until I was older
Rhian Graham

Hearing loss can make social get-togethers an isolating experience. As Shirley recalls, “Everyone around was conversing
Shirley Michaels
Gordon was aware of his hearing challenges but had refrained from seeking treatment.
Gordon Miller
Brett was a seasoned hearing aid wearer when he visited Nanaimo Hearing Clinic.
Brett Kluss
John can’t pinpoint the moment he became concerned about his hearing and suspects “it’s been life-long.” He considers his hearing loss “a determiner in life, though.”
John Townesend
Murray learned he had a hearing loss while “working at the Municipality of North Cowichan when they introduced yearly hearing testing.”
Murray McNab
"Charlie's hearing aids have helped him tremendously when interacting with others. 'I can now converse with friends,' he says.
Charlie Thompson
Chris’s wife was “getting more and more annoyed” with him because he couldn’t hear her.
Chris
“The world kind of dimmed around me, I missed conversations, and I missed jokes. I felt left out,” says Ilse
Ilse Holling
In 2009, when I retired from the marine construction trade, I felt I needed hearing aids. My brother Frank highly recommended Nanaimo Hearing Clinic & Oceanside Hearing Clinic
Stanley Strazza
I first realized something was up with my hearing when my wife kept telling me to “turn down the tv.” I
Mick Howland
About five years ago, I realized something was wrong with my hearing because I was missing out on parts of conversations with friends, and my family often corrected me when I misinterpreted what they'd said.
Dianne Ross
I first realized I might have a hearing challenge when I was always having to get people to repeat themselves, sometimes multiple times.
George Wood
I’ve always had issues with my ears since I was a baby, but I never realized how my bad hearing impacted my life until I was older
Rhian Graham

Patient Stories

Read experiences from our patients

Hearing loss can make social get-togethers an isolating experience. As Shirley recalls, “Everyone around was conversing
Shirley Michaels
Gordon was aware of his hearing challenges but had refrained from seeking treatment.
Gordon Miller
Brett was a seasoned hearing aid wearer when he visited Nanaimo Hearing Clinic.
Brett Kluss
John can’t pinpoint the moment he became concerned about his hearing and suspects “it’s been life-long.” He considers his hearing loss “a determiner in life, though.”
John Townesend
Murray learned he had a hearing loss while “working at the Municipality of North Cowichan when they introduced yearly hearing testing.”
Murray McNab
"Charlie's hearing aids have helped him tremendously when interacting with others. 'I can now converse with friends,' he says.
Charlie Thompson
Chris’s wife was “getting more and more annoyed” with him because he couldn’t hear her.
Chris
“The world kind of dimmed around me, I missed conversations, and I missed jokes. I felt left out,” says Ilse
Ilse Holling
In 2009, when I retired from the marine construction trade, I felt I needed hearing aids. My brother Frank highly recommended Nanaimo Hearing Clinic & Oceanside Hearing Clinic
Stanley Strazza
I first realized something was up with my hearing when my wife kept telling me to “turn down the tv.” I
Mick Howland
About five years ago, I realized something was wrong with my hearing because I was missing out on parts of conversations with friends, and my family often corrected me when I misinterpreted what they'd said.
Dianne Ross
I first realized I might have a hearing challenge when I was always having to get people to repeat themselves, sometimes multiple times.
George Wood
I’ve always had issues with my ears since I was a baby, but I never realized how my bad hearing impacted my life until I was older
Rhian Graham

Patient Stories

Read experiences from our patients

Hearing loss can make social get-togethers an isolating experience. As Shirley recalls, “Everyone around was conversing
Shirley Michaels
Gordon was aware of his hearing challenges but had refrained from seeking treatment.
Gordon Miller
Brett was a seasoned hearing aid wearer when he visited Nanaimo Hearing Clinic.
Brett Kluss
John can’t pinpoint the moment he became concerned about his hearing and suspects “it’s been life-long.” He considers his hearing loss “a determiner in life, though.”
John Townesend
Murray learned he had a hearing loss while “working at the Municipality of North Cowichan when they introduced yearly hearing testing.”
Murray McNab
"Charlie's hearing aids have helped him tremendously when interacting with others. 'I can now converse with friends,' he says.
Charlie Thompson
Chris’s wife was “getting more and more annoyed” with him because he couldn’t hear her.
Chris
“The world kind of dimmed around me, I missed conversations, and I missed jokes. I felt left out,” says Ilse
Ilse Holling
In 2009, when I retired from the marine construction trade, I felt I needed hearing aids. My brother Frank highly recommended Nanaimo Hearing Clinic & Oceanside Hearing Clinic
Stanley Strazza
I first realized something was up with my hearing when my wife kept telling me to “turn down the tv.” I
Mick Howland
About five years ago, I realized something was wrong with my hearing because I was missing out on parts of conversations with friends, and my family often corrected me when I misinterpreted what they'd said.
Dianne Ross
I first realized I might have a hearing challenge when I was always having to get people to repeat themselves, sometimes multiple times.
George Wood
I’ve always had issues with my ears since I was a baby, but I never realized how my bad hearing impacted my life until I was older
Rhian Graham

Hearing loss can make social get-togethers an isolating experience. As Shirley recalls, “Everyone around was conversing
Shirley Michaels
Gordon was aware of his hearing challenges but had refrained from seeking treatment.
Gordon Miller
Brett was a seasoned hearing aid wearer when he visited Nanaimo Hearing Clinic.
Brett Kluss
John can’t pinpoint the moment he became concerned about his hearing and suspects “it’s been life-long.” He considers his hearing loss “a determiner in life, though.”
John Townesend
Murray learned he had a hearing loss while “working at the Municipality of North Cowichan when they introduced yearly hearing testing.”
Murray McNab
"Charlie's hearing aids have helped him tremendously when interacting with others. 'I can now converse with friends,' he says.
Charlie Thompson
Chris’s wife was “getting more and more annoyed” with him because he couldn’t hear her.
Chris
“The world kind of dimmed around me, I missed conversations, and I missed jokes. I felt left out,” says Ilse
Ilse Holling
In 2009, when I retired from the marine construction trade, I felt I needed hearing aids. My brother Frank highly recommended Nanaimo Hearing Clinic & Oceanside Hearing Clinic
Stanley Strazza
I first realized something was up with my hearing when my wife kept telling me to “turn down the tv.” I
Mick Howland
About five years ago, I realized something was wrong with my hearing because I was missing out on parts of conversations with friends, and my family often corrected me when I misinterpreted what they'd said.
Dianne Ross
I first realized I might have a hearing challenge when I was always having to get people to repeat themselves, sometimes multiple times.
George Wood
I’ve always had issues with my ears since I was a baby, but I never realized how my bad hearing impacted my life until I was older
Rhian Graham