A decline in hearing ability, up to and including complete hearing loss (=deafness).
Anastasiadou, S., & Al Khalili, Y. (2023, May 23). Hearing loss. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542323/
Why is hearing loss a risk factor for dementia?
| Background | The more severe the hearing loss, the higher the risk of developing dementia. |
| Mechanisms: | Psychosocial Factors, such as loneliness, depression, and social isolation, can be exacerbated by hearing loss, as hearing loss hinders social interaction. Hearing loss can lead to a reduction in cognitive reserve (a kind of buffer that helps the brain compensate for declining mental performance) due to reduced environmental stimuli, an increased demand for the cognitive resources required for listening, or a combination of both factors. The cause may be underlying vascular diseases that affect both the cochlea and parts of the human brain (temporal lobe). |
Livingston G, Huntley J, Liu KY, Costafreda SG, Selbæk G, Alladi S, Ames D, Banerjee S, Burns A, Brayne C, Fox NC, Ferri CP, Gitlin LN, Howard R, Kales HC, Kivimäki M, Larson EB, Nakasujja N, Rockwood K, Samus Q, Shirai K, Singh-Manoux A, Schneider LS, Walsh S, Yao Y, Sommerlad A, Mukadam N. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission. Lancet. 2024 Aug 10;404(10452):572-628. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(24)01296-0. Epub 2024 Jul 31. PMID: 39096926.
What can I do?
People who notice a decline in their hearing or are told by others that their hearing has deteriorated should have their hearing checked regularly and consult a hearing aid specialist.
Test your hearing right here, easily and conveniently, with the digiDEM Bayern Online Hörtest.
If hearing loss has been diagnosed, a hearing aid should be used . Long-term studies have shown that hearing aids are the key protective factor in reducing the risk of dementia associated with hearing loss.
Livingston G, Huntley J, Liu KY, Costafreda SG, Selbæk G, Alladi S, Ames D, Banerjee S, Burns A, Brayne C, Fox NC, Ferri CP, Gitlin LN, Howard R, Kales HC, Kivimäki M, Larson EB, Nakasujja N, Rockwood K, Samus Q, Shirai K, Singh-Manoux A, Schneider LS, Walsh S, Yao Y, Sommerlad A, Mukadam N. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission. Lancet. 2024 Aug 10;404(10452):572-628. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(24)01296-0. Epub 2024 Jul 31. PMID: 39096926.
