There has been a lot of buzz around how hearing loss affects the brain. Let’s clear the air.
We know that hearing is fundamental for communication and social functioning. In other words:
Hearing lends to Listening which lends to Comprehending which lends to Communication
Cognition refers to “the mental action of process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses.”
There have been several large studies in recent years where the evidence suggests an association between hearing loss and cognition and that hearing aids have a positive effect for healthy aging.
This is because when hearing loss goes untreated this can lead to social isolation, reduced cognitive load (think of exercising your brain), and sensory deprivation (lacking sound input). All of this can increase cognitive impairments and increase susceptibility of developing dementia.
In the Lancet study hearing loss was found to be largest potential modifiable factor for dementia. Other modifiable factors included less education, smoking, depression, and social isolation.
In the a more recent 2023 ENHANCE study using 160 participates it was found cognitive function can remain stable or improve over time with use of hearing aids. This is a postive finding since hearing loss is “modifiable” and can be treated.
How do hearing aids help?
Prescription hearing aids provide more access to sounds and supports auditory processing within the brain. Hearing aids improve listening skills and communication, can have short term beneficial effects on cognition.
In short, hearing better can help you think better!
Considering these findings, it seems reasonable to believe that someone with mild to moderate hearing loss that uses OTC hearing aids would also gain similar benefits as those with prescription hearing aids. However, studies will need to look closer at OTC self-fitting hearing aids to investigate this.
References:
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. Lancet (London, England), S0140-6736(23)01406-X.
Sarant, J., et al. (2023, July 16-20). Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Hearing Loss: Outcomes for treated vs
untreated groups at 3-year follow-up [Conference presentation]. AAIC 2023 Conference, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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