Hearing Loss + Dementia
What Every Adult Should Know
As Australians live longer and remain active well into later life, research is revealing a powerful connection between hearing health and cognitive wellbeing. One of the most important discoveries in modern medicine is that untreated hearing loss is the largest modifiable risk factor for dementia.
The encouraging news is that treating hearing loss—most often with hearing aids—can slow cognitive decline and support better long-term brain health. This is no longer theory; it is now supported by landmark clinical trials.
The ACHIEVE Study
Clear Evidence That Hearing Aids Protect Brain Health
The ACHIEVE Study, published in The Lancet (2023), is the most rigorous trial ever conducted on the relationship between hearing treatment and cognitive decline.
Key Outcomes
- In older adults with a higher risk of dementia, hearing aids reduced cognitive decline by 48% over 3 years.
- Participants who received hearing treatment maintained stronger memory, attention, and thinking skills.
- Treated individuals experienced improved social engagement, reduced listening effort, and better overall wellbeing.
Why This Matters
As people age, maintaining independence, clarity of thought, and quality of life becomes a priority. The ACHIEVE Study shows that addressing hearing loss is one of the most effective ways to protect these goals.
Citation
Deal JA, et al. Hearing Intervention Versus Health Education Control to Reduce Cognitive Decline in Older Adults. The ACHIEVE Randomized Trial. The Lancet, 2023.
Cognitive Function
Why Untreated Hearing Loss Affects Cognitive Function
Research across multiple fields—including neurology, audiology, gerontology and psychology—identifies several ways that hearing loss can impact cognition.
1Cognitive Load
(“Brain Strain”)
When hearing is reduced, the brain must work harder to decode speech. This leaves fewer resources available for memory, processing, and concentration.
2Reduced Social
Engagement
Difficulty hearing often leads to withdrawing from conversations or group situations. Social isolation is one of the strongest predictors of cognitive decline.
3Brain Structure
Changes
MRI studies show that untreated hearing loss is associated with faster shrinkage in brain regions used for memory and sound processing.