An annual check-up that takes just 15 minutes could help lower your risk of a devastating condition. Getting your hearing tested and then treated could reduce your likelihood of developing dementia.
Research has shown that untreated hearing loss is the largest modifiable risk factor for dementia. And according to Alzheimer’s Research UK, if everyone took steps to prevent or manage hearing loss, there would be seven fewer cases of dementia for every 100 people who develop it now.
More than 18 million people (one in three) in the UK live with some form of hearing loss, yet many wait an average of 10 years before seeking help with approximately three million living with untreated hearing loss.
Meanwhile, dementia affects nearly one million people in the UK, and is the leading cause of death nationwide, according to the Office for National Statistics.
However, not many realise that the two could be connected. The Lancet Commission on Dementia identified midlife hearing loss as the largest modifiable risk factor for dementia – more than smoking, social isolation, or lack of exercise.
A further study showed that people with an increased risk of cognitive decline who also wore hearing aids had a 48% lower risk of progressing from mild cognitive impairment to dementia.
Living with untreated hearing loss places greater strain on the brain, making conversations harder to follow, particularly in noisy settings. Over time, this extra cognitive load can lead to withdrawal, isolation, and reduced wellbeing. By easing listening effort, hearing aids make it easier to stay engaged, connected, and active.
Karen Shepherd, director of hearing health care development at Boots Hearingcare, said: “There is a lot of talk and emerging evidence about association with hearing loss and dementia however, but currently there is no strong evidence to suggest one causes the other.
“What we do know is that hearing aids have no negative impact on cognition and using hearing technology to hear well can have a profound, positive effect on quality of life.”
She continued: “We often see patients who’ve been struggling with hearing loss for years. They begin to withdraw socially, lose confidence, and in some cases are even misdiagnosed with early cognitive decline.
“But once they’re fitted with hearing aids, it’s like their world opens up again. They’re more engaged, more connected, and often their families notice real improvements in mood, memory and communication. It’s not just about hearing better, it’s about living better.”
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The other dementia risk factors identified by The Lancet include:
- Being less educated
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Depression
- Social isolation
- Physical inactivity
- Diabetes
- Alcohol excess
- Traumatic brain injury
- Air pollution
If someone you know is showing signs of dementia, you should speak to a doctor.