You may have seen headlines in recent years about a possible link between hearing loss and dementia.
And it’s true, researchers have spent considerable time examining the relationship between cognitive decline and hearing loss. This has uncovered a growing body of evidence that the two might be connected.
But does hearing loss cause dementia? Can hearing aids prevent dementia? And should concerns about cognitive decline motivate you to address hearing problems sooner rather than later?
In this post, our Markham audiologists will take a closer look at what we know and what researchers are still working to understand.
Is There a Connection Between Dementia and Hearing Loss?
Studies have identified a link between dementia and hearing loss. In fact, hearing loss has been recognized as one of the most significant potentially modifiable risk factors for dementia in older adults.¹
Several large studies have found that people with hearing loss may be more likely to experience cognitive decline, cognitive impairment, or dementia compared to those with normal hearing.²⁻⁴
While the current evidence suggests a strong association between the two conditions, it’s important to note that correlation doesn’t always equal causation, and scientists are continuing to investigate the underlying reasons for this relationship.
Does Hearing Loss Cause Dementia?
One of the most common questions people ask is: Does hearing loss cause dementia?
Though numerous studies have identified a hearing loss-dementia connection, most of the research has been observational, and scientists have not definitively proven that hearing loss directly causes dementia.
What we do know, however, is that people with hearing loss appear to be at increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia compared to those without hearing loss.²⁻⁴
Because hearing loss is both common and potentially treatable, there is considerable interest in determining whether addressing hearing problems could help support long-term brain health.
Why Might Hearing Loss Be Linked to Cognitive Decline?
A variety of studies have proposed several theories to explain the relationship between hearing problems and dementia, including:
Increased Cognitive Load
A common symptom of hearing loss we see at our Markham audiology clinic is listening fatigue. When hearing is difficult, the brain has to work harder to understand speech and interpret sounds. This can leave you feeling tired and irritable.
One theory suggested by researchers falls along these lines. We already know that cognitive resources are finite. In people with hearing loss, the brain devotes additional resources to listening, which potentially leaves fewer resources available for memory, visual processing, thinking, and other cognitive functions.¹,⁶
Social Isolation
Over time, some people with hearing loss begin avoiding social activities, group gatherings, or community events because conversations are challenging and frustrating.
Researchers have suggested that reduced social engagement could contribute to cognitive decline because the brain receives less stimulation.¹,⁶
Changes in Brain Structure
A 2025 study published in JAMA Network Open found that midlife hearing loss was associated with changes in brain volume, greater white matter abnormalities, and declines in executive function over time.
The caveat was that the risk of dementia among the participants with hearing loss was much higher in those who carried a certain gene.
The researchers suggested that hearing loss could be an early marker of brain aging and dementia risk, but genetics may influence whether or not this is the case.⁵
Shared Vascular Risk Factors
Another possibility is that hearing loss and dementia share some of the same underlying vascular risk factors.
Researchers think that conditions affecting blood flow and vascular health could possibly contribute to both hearing loss and cognitive decline.²,⁵
Some studies have even specifically explored the relationship between vascular dementia and hearing loss. A large meta-analysis found a significant association between age-related hearing loss and dementia overall, although associations with specific dementia subtypes, including vascular dementia, were less consistent.²
But it appears that vascular changes in the brain may be one pathway linking hearing loss and cognitive decline.⁵
What Does the Research Show?
A 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery examined 36 studies involving more than 20,000 participants. The researchers found that age-related hearing loss was significantly associated with cognitive decline, cognitive impairment, and dementia. They concluded that hearing loss may be a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline.²
In 2023, researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health analyzed data from more than 2,400 older adults and found that moderate-to-severe hearing loss was associated with a higher prevalence of dementia.³
Additional research has found that hearing loss may also be associated with poorer cognition, lower health-related quality of life, and increased depressive symptoms.⁷
Taken together, these findings strengthen the evidence supporting a relationship between hearing health and cognitive health.
Can Hearing Aids Prevent Dementia?
Another common question is: Can hearing aids prevent dementia?
At this time, there is no conclusive evidence that hearing aids prevent dementia. However, some studies propose that treating hearing loss may help support cognitive health.
For example, a 2023 study found that hearing aid users with moderate-to-severe hearing loss had a lower prevalence of dementia than non-users.³
Similarly, data from the Framingham Heart Study found that hearing aid users appeared to have a lower dementia risk than non-users with hearing loss. The authors emphasized that these findings were observational and do not prove that hearing aids directly reduce dementia risk.⁵
Finally, the landmark ACHIEVE randomized controlled trial published in The Lancet in 2023 found that among participants with an increased risk for cognitive decline, hearing intervention appeared to slow cognitive decline over the three-year study period.⁴ On the other hand, wearing hearing aids didn’t impact cognitive changes in participants with a low risk for cognitive decline.
The bottom line is that while additional research is still needed, addressing hearing loss may play a role in supporting cognitive health in people who have other risk factors for dementia.
Can Not Wearing Hearing Aids Cause Dementia?
Some headlines may leave people wondering whether not wearing hearing aids causes dementia.
Though studies have shown that untreated hearing loss is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia,²⁻⁵ researchers cannot yet conclude that hearing aid use directly prevents dementia or that avoiding hearing aids causes it.
Instead, hearing aid use should be viewed as one important part of maintaining communication, social engagement, and overall quality of life.
What Are the Best Hearing Aids for Dementia Patients?
There is no single answer when it comes to the best hearing aids for dementia patients.
The ideal hearing aid depends on:
- The person’s type and degree of hearing loss
- Cognitive abilities
- Dexterity and vision
- Lifestyle and communication needs
- Availability of caregiver support
In many cases, hearing aids with simple controls and automatic features may be easier to use and manage.
A comprehensive hearing assessment with an audiologist can help identify the most appropriate option.
Hearing Loss and Dementia: Key Takeaways
While researchers continue to study the connection between hearing loss and dementia, one message is clear: hearing health matters.
Addressing hearing loss can improve communication, social engagement, confidence, and quality of life. It may also support long-term cognitive health.
If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing, scheduling a hearing test is an important first step.
Explore Your Hearing Health With Archer Hearing Centre
At Archer Hearing Centre, our Markham audiologists provide comprehensive hearing assessments and personalized hearing care for adults of all ages.
If you’re concerned about hearing loss or worried it’s affecting your cognitive health, we’re here to help.
Book an appointment today to learn more about your hearing and the solutions available to support your quality of life.
Sources
- Livingston, G., Huntley, J., Sommerlad, A., et al. (2020). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of The Lancet Commission. The Lancet, 396(10248), 413–446. https://www.thelancet.com/article/S0140-6736(20)30367-6/fulltext
- Loughrey, D. G., Kelly, M. E., Kelley, G. A., Brennan, S., & Lawlor, B. A. (2018). Association of age-related hearing loss with cognitive function, cognitive impairment, and dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, 144(2), 115–126. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoto.2017.2513
- Huang, A., Jiang, K., Lin, F. R., Deal, J., & Reed, N. (2023). Hearing loss and dementia prevalence in older adults in the United States. JAMA Research Letter. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2800197
- Lin, F. R., Pike, J. R., Albert, M. S., et al. (2023). Hearing intervention versus health education control to reduce cognitive decline in older adults with hearing loss in the USA (ACHIEVE): A multicentre, randomised controlled trial. The Lancet, 402(10404), 786–797. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37478886/
- Kolo, F. B., Lu, S., Beiser, A. S., et al. (2025). Hearing loss, brain structure, cognition, and dementia risk in the Framingham Heart Study. JAMA Network Open, 8(11), e2539209. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.39209
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. (2021). Hearing loss and the dementia connection. https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2021/hearing-loss-and-the-dementia-connection
- Dillard, L. K., Pinto, A., Mueller, K. D., et al. (2023). Associations of hearing loss and hearing aid use with cognition, health-related quality of life, and depressive symptoms. Journal of Aging and Health, 35(7–8), 455–465. https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643221138162
