People with hearing problems are more likely to develop thinking and memory problems like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, according to a recent study from the National Institute of Aging. The risk for these disorders increases with increasing levels of hearing loss; for every 10 decibels of hearing loss, the chance of developing severe cognitive disorders increases by 20 percent. A recent study  (Hearing Loss and Incident Dementia) by Dr. Frank Lin MD, PhD from the Johns Hopkins School of medicine found a strong link between untreated hearing loss and the development of dementia.

The evidence gets a supporting nod from brain scan studies at the University of Colorado (and elsewhere), which indicate that in the presence of hearing loss, the brain re-allocates its resources to occupy areas previously occupied by speech processing. Apparently, our brains recognize the diminished usage associated with hearing loss, and do some internal rewiring to use those areas for other functions, including sight. Of course, the brain must then borrow resources from cognitive centers to support speech understanding. This creates a “cognitive load” on the brain, and is thought to be a contributor to the development of dementia. These and other studies indicate that hearing deficits can also lead to withdrawal and social isolation, resulting in physical, emotional and mental declines.

Mounting evidence of serious consequences resulting from untreated hearing loss underscore why hearing loss should not be considered merely an annoying part of aging …but an important issue for public health. 

But there is also good news! You don’t  need to be victimized by the negative effects of untreated hearing loss. The benefits of treating hearing loss are detailed, here.