Exploring the Link Between Hearing Loss & Dementia

Hearing loss and dementia are two health conditions that some seniors tend to grapple with as they get older. While these two conditions may seem unrelated, a new study suggests a strong link between them. This association shows the importance of early detection and intervention in hearing loss to help mitigate or delay the potential onset of cognitive impairment. It is especially important in Singapore, where 1 in 10 seniors who are 60 years and older have dementia, according to the Agency of Integrated Care.

The Basics: Hearing Loss and Dementia

Hearing loss happens when your ability to hear sounds gradually decreases. In older adults, it commonly occurs due to age-related changes in the inner ear, noise exposure, or underlying medical conditions. Symptoms can range from difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments to complete hearing loss.

On the other hand, dementia is a broad term encompassing various conditions characterised by a decline in cognitive function, affecting memory, thinking, and behaviour. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, but other causes include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

How Dementia is Related to Hearing Loss

Recent research suggests that seniors with hearing loss are more likely to experience dementia. A survey conducted by AARP involving 140,000 adults aged 65 and older compared various social, medical, and psychological factors between individuals with hearing loss and those without. Of the respondents, 37.7% who reported hearing loss also experienced memory issues, highlighting a significant correlation between the two conditions.

The survey also revealed that hearing loss impacts seniors’ overall well-being. For instance, 28.9% of those with hearing loss were less likely to participate in outdoor activities compared to only 9.5% of those without hearing loss. Moreover, 39.7% of seniors with hearing loss reported psychological distress, such as depression and anxiety, both of which are known to contribute to dementia.

Effects of Hearing Loss on Cognitive Development

In relation to the study, it’s important to also understand why hearing losscould affect a person’s cognition, socialisation, and overall well-being, potentially causing dementia.

Cognitive Decline

One of the most concerning effects of untreated hearing loss is its contribution to cognitive decline. This is because, according to research, hearing loss requires more cognitive resources, which could minimise the cognitive resources left for memory and thinking. There have also been documented changes in the brain as a result of hearing loss, and these changes have impacted an individual’s cognition over time.

Social Isolation

Another way hearing loss can impact a person’s way of life is by making social interactions even more challenging, especially in group and noisy settings. As such, individuals with untreated hearing loss may avoid social interactions, finding it hard to follow conversations or feeling embarrassed about repeatedly asking others to repeat themselves. This withdrawal from social engagement could also result in feelings of loneliness and isolation. It could also lead to reduced social stimulation and mental engagement, which can contribute to a decline in brain function and a higher risk of dementia.

Overall Well-being 

In addition to its social and cognitive effects, hearing loss could also impact one’s overall well-being. Struggling to hear and communicate could lead to frustration, irritability, and a sense of helplessness. These emotional responses could contribute to mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. As the ability to interact with the world diminishes, the quality of life could also decline.

Strategies for Mitigating the Risk of Dementia from Hearing Loss

Proactively addressing hearing loss can play a vital role in preventing or minimising the risk of dementia and supporting better cognitive health. Here’s how you can take meaningful steps to safeguard your hearing and brain health:

Early Detection and Intervention

Regular hearing screenings, particularly for those aged 50 and older, are key to catching hearing loss early. There are numerous hearing testing centres in Singapore that can provide comprehensive evaluations. Timely detection allows for appropriate interventions that can prevent further deterioration and cognitive strain.

Using Hearing Aids

Studies have shown that hearing aids could benefit individuals with hearing loss, particularly in reducing the risk of dementia. Seniors who use properly fitted hearing aids are less likely to experience cognitive decline compared to those who leave hearing loss untreated. By improving communication and reducing cognitive strain, hearing aids can help promote mental function and better long-term brain health.

The diverse range of senior citizen hearing aids available today ensures that individuals can find solutions tailored to their specific needs and preferences. From Behind-The-Ear (BTE) and Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) hearing aids suitable for all degrees of hearing loss to discreet Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC) hearing aids for mild to moderate cases, there’s an option for everyone. However, seeking professional guidance from an audiologist or hearing care consultant helps in determining the appropriate hearing aid type based on your hearing loss and lifestyle and ensures proper fitting for optimal benefit and comfort.

Promoting Cognitive Health

Beyond seeking professional help for hearing loss, practising habits that contribute to your mental health is also important to minimise the risk of dementia. These include:

• Mental Stimulation: Keeping the brain active is important for maintaining cognitive function. Activities like solving puzzles, reading, learning new skills, or playing a musical instrument could potentially help with neural connections and memory. These exercises challenge the brain, fostering resilience and potentially slowing the progression of cognitive decline.
• Social Engagement:Staying socially connected is equally important for mental health. Joining social groups or spending time with family and friends could help minimise feelings of isolation that often accompany hearing loss. Social interaction provides emotional support, stimulates conversation, and keeps the brain engaged, all of which promote cognition and mental well-being.
• Healthy Lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle keeps seniors not only physically but mentally active as well. One of the healthy lifestyle habits to adopt includes maintaining a balanced diet rich in nutrients to support brain function and doing regular physical exercise to ensure blood circulation to the brain. Additionally, sufficient sleep is vital, as it helps the brain process and consolidate memories, which is essential for long-term cognitive health.

Manage Hearing Loss & Promote Better Cognitive Function for Seniors

Addressing hearing loss is an essential step in mitigating the risk of dementia and promoting overall health and well-being. If you or a loved one is experiencing signs of hearing difficulties, don’t hesitate to seek help.

There are numerous audiologists and hearing care consultants in Singapore who are ready to give you guidance and care so that you have the tools and resources required to address your hearing needs. An experienced and trusted audiologist and hearing care consultant could help you in navigating the challenges of hearing loss with confidence.

Remember, caring for your auditory health is an investment in your cognitive health and overall well-being. Don’t let hearing loss stand in the way of a fulfilling and vibrant life. For more insights, check out our guide on how you can support a family member who has hearing loss.