Untreated Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline

Yonah Orlofsky, Au.D.,CCC-A FAAA • March 11, 2020

Untreated Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline. Is There a Connection?

Hearing loss affects approximately 48 million people in the United States and is considered the third most common health problem in America after heart disease and arthritis. Many patients do not understand the connection between healthy hearing and healthy brain activity. While it is true that our ears capture the sound in the environment, ultimately, our brain is the organ that processes the sound. When an individual has a hearing impairment, the connections between the ear and brain begin to slow down.

When the brain does not receive the appropriate levels of hearing, auditory and cognitive deprivation can set in. Studies have shown that people with hearing loss may up to 500% more likely to develop cognitive decline. They may also be at risk of memory loss and depression. However, the good news is that studies also show that by addressing and treating loss, help to reduce these risks. If you are experiencing symptoms of hearing loss, you should have a full comprehensive evaluation by an audiologist.

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