It’s no surprise that hearing loss is connected to several other health conditions, like balance disorders and dizziness/vertigo, but there are now several scientific studies connecting hearing loss and cognitive decline. 

If you’re reading this and have noticed some struggles hearing recently, or you’re concerned about a loved one’s hearing, make sure to read on – the data is alarming. 

Back in December 2022, a study done by Brian Sheng Yep Yeo, MBBS; Harris Jun Jie Muhammad Danial Song, MBBS; Emma Min Shuen Toh, MBBS; and more researchers aimed to understand how hearing aids and cochlear implants were linked to a decreased risk of cognitive decline. 

This worldwide trial included 13 studies conducted in Europe, 12 studies conducted in North America, three studies conducted in Asia and two studies conducted in Australia and Asia. 

With 137,484 participants, the researchers sought to understand the link between cognitive decline and hearing loss over a range of durations, from two to 25 years. 

The key findings of this study were astounding. 

The use of hearing aids was associated with a 19% reduction in long-term cognitive decline when used regularly. Even patients that had mild cognitive impairment benefited from hearing aids, as they had a 20% lower risk of progressing to dementia. 

One particular quote from this study really stuck out to me: 

“In this meta-analysis, the usage of hearing aids and cochlear implants is associated with a decreased risk of subsequent cognitive decline; physicians should strongly encourage their patients with hearing loss to adopt such devices."

If you have some form of hearing loss, it’s crucial to your health to get it checked out as soon as you can with a trained professional. 

The Key Observations for You 

Each year, we have our teeth cleaned, our eyesight checked and our physical health examined – but when was your last hearing test? 

Hearing loss comes on gradually; quite often, we don’t realize that we’re struggling to hear until someone else points it out to us. With the help of comprehensive hearing assessments, regular ear cleanings and, where applicable, hearing aids, you can take control of your hearing and bodily health and avoid the more alarming side effects like cognitive decline. 

Our team at Maico Hearing Service is more than happy to welcome you at one of our clinics in St. John’s, Grand Falls-Windsor, Corner Brook, Gander or Harbour Grace.

Simply find your closest clinic and give us a call – we’re happy to walk you through our services and what we can do for you and your loved ones. 

Questions or concerns making you hesitate? For a no-obligation chat about your unique situation, please feel free to request a callback and we’ll get in touch with you with more info. 

We’re here to help!