Why ignoring age-related hearing loss could be doing serious long-term damage – and what you can do about it
A landmark 12-year study by Johns Hopkins University has confirmed what many experts have long suspected: hearing loss is a major risk factor for dementia. In fact, severe hearing impairment increases the chance of developing dementia fivefold.
Yet despite clear evidence of the risks, the vast majority of older adults with hearing loss still aren’t doing anything about it.
Age-related hearing loss – or presbycusis – affects nearly two-thirds of adults over 70 and becomes almost universal by age 90. But only about 30% of people who could benefit from hearing aids actually use them. The result is a huge, and largely avoidable, public health challenge.
The cognitive cost of ignoring hearing loss
The study, which followed over 600 participants for more than a decade, found that:
- Mild hearing loss doubles the risk of dementia
- Moderate hearing loss triples it
- Severe hearing loss increases the risk fivefold.
These findings, published by researchers at the Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health, add to a growing body of evidence showing how untreated hearing loss can accelerate cognitive decline, particularly in older adults.
The reasons are partly biological and partly social. Straining to hear places extra load on the brain. At the same time, hearing loss often leads to social withdrawal, isolation and depression – all of which are known to increase dementia risk.
“They can make all the difference in the world”
Dr Frank Lin, director of the Cochlear Center, says the benefits of using hearing aids to treat hearing loss are profound. “They help most people who try them,” he told Johns Hopkins Medicine. “And in those people, they can make all the difference in the world — allowing people to re-engage with friends and family and to be more involved again.”
Laurence Coen, Co-founder of Hearology®, an audiologist that provides diagnostic hearing tests, hearing rehabilitation and hearing aids amongst several other products and services, agrees – and says the real scandal is how little urgency most people bring to the issue.
“It’s simply remarkable that more people don’t take hearing loss more seriously,” said Coen. “The research is basically telling us that taking action has a good chance of making you live longer. And, even if it doesn’t actually increase your lifespan, it’ll make the rest of your life so much more enjoyable. We are incredibly fortunate in this country to have hearing aids free on the NHS. There is literally no excuse for not taking action.”
Technology is improving – but awareness isn’t
Since 2022, adults in the US with mild to moderate hearing loss have been able to buy over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids without a prescription. The aim is to make devices more affordable and accessible, especially for those who might be put off by cost, or the perceived hassle of going through an audiologist.
But while OTC devices may be a good first step, experts still recommend a professional assessment. Audiologists don’t just fit devices – they test hearing, diagnose underlying conditions, and help patients get the most from whatever hearing solution is right for them.
And here in the UK, the NHS continues to offer hearing tests and hearing aids completely free of charge.
A health intervention hiding in plain sight
The Johns Hopkins research is just the latest in a long line of studies linking hearing loss to wider health issues – from falls and hospitalisation to loneliness and depression. What’s changing now is the tone of the conversation.
Hearing loss isn’t just about missing out on conversation. It’s about staying healthy, staying engaged, and protecting the brain as we age.
The fix is simple. But it starts with listening – not only to others, but also to what your ears might be trying to tell you.
References
- Age-Related Hearing Loss - Corroborates the prevalence of hearing loss among older adults, noting that one in three people over 60 experience hearing loss, and highlights the importance of consulting audiologists for proper evaluation and management.
- Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis) - Explains age-related hearing loss, its causes, and the benefits of using hearing aids, supporting the claim that addressing hearing loss can improve quality of life.
- Deafness and hearing loss - Provides global data on hearing loss, emphasizing its impact on public health and the need for accessible interventions.
- Hearing Loss in Adults - Provides information on the global prevalence of disabling hearing loss and emphasizes the need for addressing hearing impairments to prevent further complications.
- Presbycusis - Supports the claim that presbycusis is a significant cause of hearing loss worldwide, affecting nearly two-thirds of Americans aged 70 or older. It also explains the pathophysiology and management of presbycusis.
