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Posted on January 9, 2016 by Christine Crosby in dementia, Dr. Frank Lin, Hear.com, hearing loss, M.D, Ph.D

Untreated Hearing Loss Linked To Dementia


Did you know that untreated hearing loss is linked to dementia?

We all do our best to maintain good health, and mental health is no exception. As we age, one of the looming fears is the potential onset of dementia. A recent Johns Hopkins study[1] reveals a surprising risk factor – untreated hearing loss. The findings in this study indicate that hearing loss accelerates brain atrophy (brain shrinkage) in people with hearing loss.

In this study, Dr. Frank Lin, M.D., Ph.D., analyzed how the brain changes over the span of up to ten years in people with normal hearing and people with impaired hearing. Throughout the duration of the study, 126 participants received MRIs and hearing tests. For the 51 participants with impaired hearing at the start of the study, Dr. Lin and his colleagues observed accelerated rates of brain atrophy as compared to the 75 participants with normal hearing. The participants with impaired hearing lost over an additional cubic centimeter of brain tissue per year, compared to their counterparts with normal hearing. Brain shrinkage was particularly significant in areas of the brain responsible for sound and speech processing.

dementia
Dr. Frank Lin, M.D., Ph.D

According to Dr. Lin, brain shrinkage can be attributed to a lack stimulation of the auditory cortex (the part of the brain that is concerned with hearing). A person with untreated hearing loss is susceptible to brain atrophy due to inactivity in the auditory cortex. Consequently, hearing loss affects normal cognitive functions, even posing a significant threat to one’s health. Moreover, the different areas of the brain do not work in isolation, which increases the likelihood of developing a mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease.

Given the results of the study, Dr. Lin recommends treating hearing loss “sooner rather than later.” The longer one waits, the more the brain is potentially damaged by atrophy. Hearing aids are capable of treating hearing loss and preventing brain atrophy caused by an inactive auditory cortex.

Click here for a free consultation to learn about the different hearing aid options.

We would be happy to help you find a hearing aid provider in your area and arrange an appointment for you. Our experts can provide you with more information on hearing loss and the many health benefits of wearing hearing aids. Please contact us for further information and take advantage of our free and non-binding consultation services.

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[1] Hearing Loss Linked to Accelerated Brain Tissue Loss – 01/22/2014

Christine Crosby

About the author

Christine is the co-founder and editorial director for GRAND Magazine. She is the grandmother of five and great-grandmom (aka Grandmere) to one. She makes her home in St. Petersburg, Florida.

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