Hearing loss is common as we age, but many people treat it as a minor inconvenience rather than a serious health issue. Emerging research shows that ignoring hearing loss — especially before age 70 — could have major implications for your brain health , including a significantly higher risk of dementia . Fortunately, addressing hearing loss early with hearing aids may help reduce this risk. Why Hearing Loss Affects the Brain When the ears don’t send clear sound information to the brain, the b…