The Hidden Link Between Hearing Loss and Dementia

Rachel Artsma, Au.D., CCC-A

Credit: LinkedIn

Hearing loss doesn’t just affect your ears — it affects your brain. Research increasingly shows that untreated hearing loss can contribute to cognitive decline and even raise the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The Educated Patient spoke with Rachel Artsma, Au.D., CCC-A, senior audiologist at Hear.com, to explore how hearing health and brain health are deeply connected. She explains why early treatment is key, how modern hearing aids can actually protect your memory and focus, and what signs might mean it’s time to schedule a hearing test.

Can you explain how untreated hearing loss affects the brain and why it may increase the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s?

Rachel Artsma, Au.D., CCC-A: Untreated hearing loss forces the brain to work harder to fill in missing sounds. Because the auditory signals are weaker and less clear, the brain must constantly reconstruct and compensate, using energy that would normally support memory and thinking. This extra mental strain, known as cognitive load, can, over time, lead to fatigue and increase the risk of cognitive decline or dementia.

Hearing loss can also cause people to withdraw from social activities, reducing vital mental stimulation and connection, which further impacts brain health.

The good news is that hearing aids help reverse this process. By restoring clear, consistent sound, they keep the brain’s auditory pathways active and reduce cognitive effort. Conversations become easier and more enjoyable, energy levels rise and social engagement returns — protecting both emotional well-being and long-term cognitive health.

How do hearing aids reduce stress on the brain and actually help protect against memory loss and cognitive decline?

RA: Hearing aids give the brain the consistent sound input it needs to work efficiently. When hearing loss is left untreated, the brain must constantly strain to fill in missing sounds, using up mental energy that should support memory and focus. By restoring high-quality sound, modern hearing aids ease this cognitive load, helping people think more clearly, stay engaged and feel less fatigued.

Research shows that treating hearing loss with hearing aids can help slow cognitive decline in older adults at higher risk, while also strengthening social connections and overall quality of life.

Today’s hearing aids are discreet and Bluetooth-enabled, offering advanced technology that not only improves hearing but also supports long-term brain health, confidence, and connection.

What are some early warning signs of hearing loss that people should watch for in themselves or loved ones?

RA: Early signs of hearing loss can be subtle and easy to miss. You might notice the TV or radio creeping up in volume, frequent requests for people to repeat themselves or increasing difficulty following conversations in noisy places like restaurants or family gatherings. Voices may sound muffled, or there may be a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears, known as tinnitus. Some people even start avoiding social situations because listening feels tiring or frustrating.

These small changes often appear gradually, but they’re important signals that the ears and brain are working harder than they should. Recognizing them early and scheduling a hearing test can make all the difference.

With today’s nearly invisible high-tech hearing aids, restoring clear, effortless communication is easier than ever and life becomes more connected, confident and enjoyable again.

Many people wait years before getting a hearing aid. How can someone know when it’s time to seek professional help and consider a hearing aid?

RA: Many people delay seeking help and often wait 7 to 10 years after first noticing changes in their hearing. But the earlier hearing loss is identified and treated, the better and the faster the outcome for both hearing and brain health.

It’s time to schedule a hearing test if conversations start feeling effortful, you’re turning up the TV higher than others prefer, or you often ask people to repeat themselves. Difficulty following dialogue in noisy settings, ringing in the ears or feeling tired after social interactions are also key warning signs.

A hearing evaluation is quick, painless and provides valuable insight into your overall well-being. If hearing loss is detected, modern hearing aids offer an easy, life-enhancing solution — they’re tiny, comfortable and smart, restoring clarity, easing communication and helping protect against fatigue, isolation and even cognitive decline. In short, don’t wait — the best time to act is as soon as you notice the first signs. Early care keeps your mind sharp, your relationships strong and your world full of sound.

It can feel uncomfortable to bring up hearing loss with a friend or family member. What are some respectful, supportive ways to start that conversation?

RA:

• The key is to approach the conversation with empathy, not pressure. Many people feel embarrassed or frustrated about their hearing loss, so your support is crucial.
• Encourage a hearing test and offer to go with them. Frame it as a low-risk, high-reward situation with nothing to lose from giving it a try.
• Share neutral information about the benefits of hearing care, focusing on how it can improve their mental fitness and overall well-being.
• Avoid being judgmental. Let them come to their own conclusion at their own pace.
• Highlight modern features of hearing aids. Focus on the appeal of today's hearing technology, such as nearly invisible designs and tech integration like Bluetooth connectivity.
• Use social proof by sharing stories of others in similar situations who have benefited from hearing care.
• Learn communication strategies together. This includes facing each other when speaking, reducing background noise and using visual cues.

For someone who suspects they might have hearing loss, what’s the first step they should take?

RA: The best first step is simple: talk to an expert and schedule a professional hearing test.

Many people hesitate or try to “get by,” but early action makes a big difference. Even mild hearing loss can strain the brain, cause fatigue and make conversations harder to follow. Getting tested early helps you stay ahead of these challenges and protect both your hearing and cognitive health.

However, a quick hearing test, a trial period and expert support make it easy to experience the benefits firsthand. If hearing loss is confirmed, today’s hearing aids are tiny, discreet, and incredibly advanced — offering natural sound, Bluetooth connectivity and rechargeable convenience. Taking that first step toward better hearing isn’t just about hearing more clearly, it’s about living more fully, confidently and connected to the people and moments that matter most.