The impact of hearing loss on brain health.
Hearing loss is often seen as an innocent side effect of aging. Having a bit more trouble understanding in a busy restaurant, turning up the TV volume, asking people to repeat themselves more often. However, research shows that hearing loss is much more than a practical inconvenience. It turns out to be a significant risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia.
That's why hearing loss has been added to LIBRA2 as a separate domain for brain health.
Hearing loss means that you perceive or process sounds and speech less effectively. This can manifest in:
difficulty following conversations, especially in groups
becoming fatigued from listening
hearing sounds, but not clearly understanding words
comments from others that the TV or radio is loud
Hearing loss is usually determined by a hearing test (audiogram), but symptoms often begin before the loss is formally measured.
More mental effort when listening
If hearing is difficult, your brain has to work harder to understand conversations. This means there is less mental capacity left for remembering, planning, and understanding. Researchers call this "listening effort."
Less social interaction
Many people with hearing loss gradually withdraw from conversations and social situations. This often happens unconsciously. Fewer social stimuli mean less cognitive stimulation, which is detrimental to brain health.
Changes in brain areas
Research with brain scans shows that long-term hearing loss is associated with changes in brain areas involved in language and sound processing. This can affect broader cognitive networks.
Hearing loss as an early signal
Sometimes, hearing loss is not only a cause but also a marker of broader aging processes in the nervous system and blood vessels. It may thus be an early warning signal.
“It's just a part of getting older”
Common does not mean harmless. Even mild hearing loss can put extra stress on the brain.
“I still hear enough, so it's not that bad”
Many people can still hear sounds well, but have more difficulty understanding speech. That actually costs extra mental energy.
“A hearing aid is only needed when it really gets bad”
Research suggests that early intervention helps to better maintain social engagement and cognitive load.
“Hearing aids make you look old”
In reality, untreated hearing loss often leads to more withdrawal, insecurity, and fatigue than any aid ever would.
Get your hearing tested if in doubt
If you notice that conversations are becoming tiring or that you need to ask more often what someone is saying, have a hearing test done. This can be done through your doctor or a hearing specialist.
Protect your hearing
Avoid prolonged exposure to loud noise. Use earplugs at concerts, festivals, or when using loud equipment. Noise damage is often permanent.
Consider aids in good time
Hearing aids are now small and technologically advanced. They are designed to make listening less strenuous, not just to make it louder.
Adjust your environment
Choose quiet places for conversations, sit closer to your conversation partners, and don't be afraid to indicate what helps you understand someone well.
Stay socially active
Even if listening is difficult, keep seeking contact. Social interaction remains an important protective factor for brain health.
If hearing problems are accompanied by memory complaints, fatigue, or withdrawal behavior, it's advisable to discuss this with your doctor. Early detection provides more opportunities for support.
At Remind, we've gathered the 15 most important modifiable factors for you. You can view each one individually and read about ways to manage them:
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