The correlation between hearing loss, dementia and cognitive decline is becoming more and more researched. There are multiple studies illustrating the link between hearing loss and the onset of dementia. Dr. Frank Lin first observed this link when he monitored cognition and hearing loss in close to 2000 adults, with an average age of 77 years.  The study concluded that the more severe the hearing loss, the more likely the person was to develop a cognitive decline. Even individuals with a mild hearing loss were more likely to experience a cognitive failure, indicating how important it is to treat hearing loss even at the beginning stages.

Why

  • Individuals with hearing loss exert more effort to hear and understand. This increased listening effort can strain the brain, and affect cognition.
  • Patients with hearing loss are more likely to avoid social situations and as a result,  engage less frequently in conversation. This can eventually lead to mental decline.
  • Gray matter in the brain responsible for processing speech shrinks faster in people with hearing loss, compared to normal hearing patients. The shrinkage of this gray matter also affects the parts of the brain responsible for memory, and as a result, may cause cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.

Statistics

  • Mild Hearing loss doubles dementia risk
  • Moderate hearing loss triples dementia risk
  • Severe hearing loss triples dementia risk
  • Hearing aids can slow dementia by 75%, according to a study out of the University of Manchester

Treatment

Hearing aids are the only available treatment for patients with permanent hearing loss. Hearing aids can preserve hearing abilities and word recognition scores, which in turn can affect a patient’s cognitive status and slow the progression of dementia and other cognitive disorders. As soon as a hearing loss or cognitive disorder is diagnosed, it is important to see an audiologist to see if hearing aids should be incorporated into the treatment plan to slow progression of either impairment.

References

  1. Hopkins Medicine – The Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss
  2. The Telegraph – Hearing Aids Slow Dementia 75 New Study Finds

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Bloor Location

2368 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6S 1P5

(416) 760-7999

Toronto Hearing Consultants is located on the North West corner of Bloor St W and Willard Ave.

There is ample parking on the street and in the Green P parking lot on Willard Ave, beside Zaza Espresso. The clinic is accessible by subway, and is located between Runnymede and Jane Station.

Bathurst Location

980 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON M5R 3G6

(416) 516-0999

Toronto Hearing Consultants at 980 Bathurst Street is located 2 lights north of Bathurst subway station, between Follis Ave and Olive Ave. There is street parking available, and the clinic is a 9 minute walk from Bathurst Station.

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info@torontohearing.ca

Open Hours
Monday 9:30am — 5:30pm
Tuesday 9:30am — 6:00pm
Wednesday 9:30am — 5:30pm
Thursday 9:30am — 5:30pm
Friday 9:30am — 4:30pm
*Saturday appointments available upon request. Contact our team.