Hearing Loss and Dementia

Brittany Mott

We all know both dementia and hearing loss are highly prevalent conditions in the aging population. 

What many people don’t know is the two conditions are highly correlated with one another and that hearing loss is identified as one of the top risk factors for dementia¹.


Current research is investigating this relationship and several possible mechanisms have been proposed to explain how hearing loss increases the risk of developing dementia. One explanation is that hearing loss increases ‘brain strain’, meaning that when one struggles to hear, the brain works harder to fill in the gaps at the expense of other cognitive processes such as working memory. Another possible explanation is that hearing loss causes people to disengage socially which in turn leads to less intellectual stimulation, and therefore less cognitive engagement overall. Both theories support the hypothesis that reduced cognitive stimulation leads to mental decline.  Given the limited effectiveness of pharmacological treatments on symptoms of dementia, we must focus on reducing the modifiable risk factors to delay or prevent the onset of the disease, which will also reduce healthcare costs overall.


A 2020 Lancet Commissions Report cited 12 potentially modifiable risk factors for dementia; they are:


-         Lower education

-         Hypertension

-         Hearing impairment

-         Smoking

-         Obesity

-         Depression

-         Physical inactivity

-         Low social contact

-         Excessive alcohol consumption

-         Traumatic brain injury

-         Air pollution


Of these, hearing loss is the highest modifiable risk factor for delaying or preventing the onset of dementia later in life. A 2019 study of 194 adults over 19 years indicated through brain imaging of the temporal lobe (the area of the brain containing the auditory centre), that mid-life hearing impairment is associated with greater temporal lobe volume loss compared to individuals with normal hearing. It is very important to note that multiple studies have looked at cognitive performance in individuals with hearing impairment who wear hearing aids versus those who do not, and hearing loss is only associated with poorer cognition in individuals who DO NOT wear hearing aids. Hearing aid use is, therefore, the largest factor protecting individuals from cognitive decline. Even the World Health Organization has recognized hearing aids as the only modifier in mid-life to prevent or prolong the onset of dementia. Newer findings also suggest that hearing impairment may encompass other modifiable risk factors such as low social contact, physical inactivity and depression, highlighting the importance of hearing aids earlier in life.


At Niagara Hearing & Health, we perform a cognitive screening as part of our full hearing evaluation so we can provide patients with the information they need to make an informed decision regarding their hearing and cognitive health. With the help of the cognitive screening, we can work together to create the best action plan for each individual patient, since we recognize everyone is unique and has their own set of needs. These findings speak for themselves, wearing hearing aids is not only treating your hearing loss but also preventing cognitive decline associated with hearing loss. With life expectancy rising, it has never been so important to make your hearing a priority!


¹(Thompson et al., 2017)

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Learn More About Tinnitus

By Brittany Mott • July 5, 2022
Tinnitus is a constant or intermittent ringing in one or both of your ears. Almost everyone has experienced tinnitus at some point in their lives; however, for some, it is a persistent and often even debilitating issue. What people don’t often know is what causes tinnitus and what they can do to relieve their symptoms. Causes of tinnitus: Hearing Loss: Often, tinnitus is associated with a sensorineural hearing loss. In fact, 90% of people who present with a sensorineural hearing loss also report tinnitus. This type of hearing loss can be hereditary, age-related, trauma-induced or noise-induced. Hearing loss is the most common cause of tinnitus. Infection: During active infection, or even following ear infections, fluid can persist in the middle ear causing a change in pressure in the middle ear space, which can result in tinnitus. Blockage: Build up of ear wax or blockage by a foreign body entering the ear canal can cause tinnitus. Injury or trauma to the head or neck: Typically, this type of damage will cause tinnitus in just one ear. Medications: Certain medications have been known to induce tinnitus. Such medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, chemotherapy agents, antidepressants and diuretics. People often get the discouraging message that nothing can be done to relieve symptoms of tinnitus and they must get used to it. Though there is no ‘cure’ for tinnitus, there are a lot of great tools and treatments to reduce the perceived intensity of tinnitus. An important first step is booking a hearing test with a qualified hearing care professional who specializes in identification and treatment of tinnitus. At Niagara Hearing & Health, we are members of the American Tinnitus Association and therefore specialize in the identification and management of tinnitus. Brittany or Seneka will perform a comprehensive hearing evaluation including tympanometry and acoustic reflex testing in addition to the pure-tone air and bone conduction testing. Our state-of-the-art equipment ensures you are in great hands. Once we have the information we need, we will discuss the best tinnitus management program for you to minimize the impact tinnitus has on your life. Sometimes the answer is wax removal, sometimes it is hearing aids; and other times it may be a more involved treatment plan. No two tinnitus cases are alike and therefore the best course of treatment is going to differ from patient to patient. Successful tinnitus management programs require overlapping layers of treatment options. At Niagara Hearing & Health we are here to take the time and help you manage your tinnitus with individualized treatment plans. - Brittany Mott Au.D., Reg. CASLPO
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