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Hearing Loss, Cognitive Decline, and Dementia: Clinical Intersections
Danielle S Powell1,2,3, Carrie L Nieman4,5, Per Thorsell6
1Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
Audiology Research
|July 24, 2026
Summary
Age-related hearing loss is linked to faster cognitive decline and higher dementia risk in older adults. Addressing hearing issues may help preserve cognitive function and improve assessments.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Audiology
Background:
- Age-related hearing loss is a common condition in older adults.
- It is increasingly recognized as a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia.
- Understanding the link between auditory dysfunction and cognitive aging is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review epidemiological, neurobiological, and clinical findings on hearing loss, cognitive decline, and dementia.
- To elucidate the association between sensory decline and cognitive aging.
- To emphasize the importance of considering hearing during cognitive screening.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review integrating epidemiological, neurobiological, and clinical studies.
- Focus on associations, mechanistic pathways, screening implications, and rehabilitation.
- Synthesis of existing evidence on hearing loss and cognition.
Main Results:
- Hearing loss is associated with accelerated cognitive decline and increased dementia risk.
- Potential mechanisms include cognitive load, social isolation, and shared pathologies.
- Hearing rehabilitation shows potential but yields heterogeneous results; auditory function impacts cognitive assessments.
Conclusions:
- Hearing loss is a significant factor in cognitive aging and dementia research.
- Integrating hearing assessment and management into clinical practice and research is valuable.
- Further understanding of causal pathways and rehabilitation effectiveness is needed.
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