Age-related hearing loss is known to increase dementia risk. A recent study found that use of hearing aids among those with dementia and hearing loss may reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms. Further research into hearing loss-related interventions for dementia could pave the way for new treatment and prevention strategies.
In the current research, investigators examined the relationship between self-reported hearing aid use and dementia risk. To do so, they analyzed data from 2953 participants of the Framingham Heart Study with an average age of 69 years old who underwent hearing assessments between 1977 and 1979, and between 1995 and 1998. They were followed for incident dementia for up to 20 years.
Ultimately, 20% of participants developed dementia. Of these people, 42% were younger than 70 years old at the hearing assessment.
Among those diagnosed with hearing loss under 70 years old, use of hearing aids was linked to a 61% lower risk of dementia. The findings remained after adjusting for educational level. No association was found between hearing aid use and dementia in those aged 70 years or older. Participants without hearing loss had a 29% lower risk of dementia.
“Other studies, including a randomized clinical trial and a comprehensive meta-analysis, have suggested that hearing aids have a protective benefit against development of dementia. To our knowledge, this observational study was the first to identify that reduced risk depends on early intervention for hearing loss,” wrote the researchers in their study.
“Only 17% of individuals with moderate to severe HL use hearing aids. Our study underscores the importance of early intervention for hearing loss to reduce risk of incident dementia,” they concluded.
Sources: JAMA Neurology, The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, EurekAlert