Study suggests links between hearing loss and dementia - Alzheimer's Society comment

The researchers, based at Trinity College Dublin, reviewed and analysed the results of 36 different studies involving over 20,000 people that looked into hearing loss and dementia. They found that age-related hearing loss had a small but significant association with cognitive decline and dementia.

Clare Walton, Research Communications Manager said:

'There is emerging evidence that hearing loss is a risk factor for dementia, as highlighted by a large study in the Lancet Commission earlier this year. This research has reviewed and re-analysed the results of several previous studies, and the results add weight to the potential link between hearing loss and cognitive decline or dementia.

'So far these studies have only found an association between hearing loss and memory and thinking abilities and we can’t say for sure whether hearing loss can cause dementia.

'However, researchers have a few theories as to how hearing loss could feed into dementia risk. This includes the theory that the brain is diverting important resources from other areas in order to fully understand and process sounds, or that hearing loss can lead to increased social isolation. Further work is needed to find out whether any of these theories are true.

'We still don’t know if hearing aids can help to reduce the risk of dementia, but researchers are now turning their attention to this important question and we look forward to seeing the results.

'It is important to remember that not all cases of hearing loss will be associated with dementia. It is also important to get your hearing checked regularly, especially in mid-life and older age and to follow the advice of your audiologist.'