Hearing loss and dementia: what every adult should know
Untreated hearing loss is the largest modifiable risk factor for dementia. The ACHIEVE Study, published in The Lancet in 2023, found that in older adults at higher risk of dementia, hearing aids reduced cognitive decline by 48% over three years. Treating hearing loss, most often with hearing aids, can slow cognitive decline and support better long-term brain health.
As Australians live longer and stay 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 this is something you can act on. Treating hearing loss, most often with hearing aids, can slow cognitive decline and support better long-term brain health. That is no longer theory. It is now supported by landmark clinical trials.
Can hearing aids prevent dementia? What the ACHIEVE study found
The ACHIEVE Study, published in The Lancet in 2023, is the most rigorous trial ever conducted on the relationship between hearing treatment and cognitive decline. Three findings stand out:
- In older adults with a higher risk of dementia, hearing aids reduced cognitive decline by 48% over three 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.
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.
Why untreated hearing loss affects cognitive function
Research across neurology, audiology, gerontology and psychology identifies three main ways that hearing loss and dementia risk are linked.
1. Cognitive load, or “brain strain”
When hearing is reduced, the brain must work harder to decode speech. That leaves fewer resources available for memory, processing and concentration.
2. Reduced social engagement
Difficulty hearing often leads people to withdraw from conversations or group situations. Social isolation is one of the strongest predictors of cognitive decline.
3. Brain structure changes
MRI studies show that untreated hearing loss is associated with faster shrinkage in the brain regions used for memory and sound processing.
What to do next
Because hearing loss is a modifiable risk factor, the practical step is simple: find out where your hearing sits. A comprehensive hearing assessment at Northside Audiology is quick, painless and tailored to your needs, and Medicare rebates are available with a current doctor’s referral. If a hearing loss is found, our audiologists will talk you through the options, including hearing aids, fittings and ongoing support.
Key facts
- Untreated hearing loss is the largest modifiable risk factor for dementia.
- The ACHIEVE Study (The Lancet, 2023) found hearing aids reduced cognitive decline by 48% over three years in older adults at higher risk of dementia.
- Hearing loss affects cognition through cognitive load, reduced social engagement and changes in brain structure.
- Northside Audiology offers comprehensive hearing assessments with Medicare rebates available on a current doctor’s referral.
Frequently asked questions
Is hearing loss linked to dementia?
Yes. Untreated hearing loss is the largest modifiable risk factor for dementia, which means it is a risk you can act on.
Can hearing aids reduce the risk of cognitive decline?
In the ACHIEVE Study (The Lancet, 2023), hearing aids reduced cognitive decline by 48% over three years among older adults at higher risk of dementia.
Why does hearing loss affect memory and thinking?
Three reasons: the brain works harder to decode speech, leaving fewer resources for memory and concentration; people withdraw socially; and untreated hearing loss is associated with faster shrinkage in brain regions used for memory and sound processing.
What should I do if I am worried about my hearing?
Book a comprehensive hearing assessment. It is quick and painless, and Medicare rebates are available with a current doctor’s referral.
Book an appointment. Medicare rebates available with a current doctor’s referral.