March 20, 2024

Uncorrected Hearing Loss Can Increase Risk for Dementia!


Research out of Johns Hopkins indicates that individuals with untreated hearing loss face a significantly higher risk of developing dementia compared to those with normal hearing. According to estimates, uncorrected hearing loss, even if mild, can double if not triple the risk for dementia. The mechanism behind this correlation is complex and is discussed in the video above. 

Check you hearing using this free online hearing test!

If you live near Warrenton, VA, we do offer hearing tests in a sound-proof booth. If hearing loss is present, we also offer a free complementary evaluation for hearing aids! You can try out different levels of hearing aids customized to your hearing loss for free to see what your hearing would be like when corrected to a normal level.

References:
Hearing intervention versus health education control to reduce cognitive decline in older adults with hearing loss in the USA (ACHIEVE): a multicentre, randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2023 Sep 2;402(10404):786-797. 

ENHANCE: a comparative prospective longitudinal study of cognitive outcomes after 3 years of hearing aid use in older adults. Front Aging Neurosci. 2024 Jan 31:15:1302185. 

Hearing Loss and Dementia Prevalence in Older Adults in the US. JAMA. 2023 Jan 10; 329(2): 171–173. 

Association of Hearing Impairment with Brain Volume Changes in Older Adults. Neuroimage. 2014 Apr 15; 90: 84–92. 
Fauquier blog
Fauquier ENT

Dr. Christopher Chang is a private practice otolaryngology, head & neck surgeon specializing in the treatment of problems related to the ear, nose, and throat. Located in Warrenton, VA about 45 minutes west of Washington DC, he also provides inhalant allergy testing/treatment, hearing tests, and dispenses hearing aids.

You might be interested in reading...


Banner Map

Pediatric Neck Masses

Adult Neck Mass Workup