How hearing loss can affect your memory

Are you turning the TV up a bit louder these days? Or struggling to hear your friends at parties? Hearing loss and getting older go hand in hand but a new arm of research has shown why it’s important to keep hearing in check.

Research from John Hopkins University in the US has shown a direct connection between age-related hearing loss (ARHL) and cognitive decline. While the research does not prove that hearing loss directly causes cognitive decline, it does show that a greater degree of hearing loss is associated with a greater risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

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In fact, experts say there are a number of health issues related to hearing loss. According to Dr Jane Opie, a senior research audiologist with cochlear implant company MED-EL, “health outcomes include cognitive decline, increased fall risk, depression, decreased brain volume and the number of hospitalisations.”

One study published in the journal JAMA Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery found that even mild hearing impairment is related to an increased risk of depression. In a survey of over 18,000 people, researchers found that the risk of moderate to severe depression was about 5 per cent for people with excellent hearing, compared to 11 per cent for those with some hearing impairment.

In Australia, nearly 50 per cent of 61 to 70 year olds suffer some level of ARHL, while 62 per cent of adults over 71 report hearing loss, found one report by MED-EL.

So what is it about hearing loss that can lead to these cognitive problems? According to Opie, there are three theories: social isolation, which can lead to poor quality life and depression; cognitive load, as hearing loss requires a greater amount of effort to hear what was said; and finally, cognitive decline could be caused by other behaviours such as smoking.

While there are many factors (including genetics) that can determine whether a person develops ARHL, some lifestyle factors may delay the onset of hearing loss.

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“Limiting noise levels and using hearing protection in both recreational and occupational settings is recommended,” says Opie. “In addition, the parts of the ear that are affected in ARHL are very sensitive to blood supply, so activities that promote circulation are a good idea.”

There’s also been a link between smoking and hearing loss, so ditch the cancer sticks and preliminary research suggests a link between hearing loss and diabetes, so it’s a good idea to follow a healthy diet.

If you do notice any symptoms of hearing loss (muffling of speech or other sound; asking people to speak more slowly and loudly; or having difficulty following conversations in noisy environments) talk to your GP. Be open to trying tools to improve hearing, such as hearing aids or cochlear implants, which are usually be covered by insurance for older Australians.

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