How can we protect our brains from Alzheimer's?

Hearing loss increases the risk of developing dementia

More than 1.5 million people in Germany suffer from dementia—for which there is currently no cure. Hearing loss increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. We’ll show you how you can protect your brain from dementia.

At a Glance

• One in three people over the age of 65 has hearing loss
• People between the ages of 45 and 64 with hearing loss have a higher risk of dementia
• Early detection of hearing loss can help prevent related health complications
• Hearing aids reduce the risk of developing dementia

“One in three people over the age of 65 suffers from hearing loss, and there is strong evidence that the risk of dementia is significantly higher among these individuals. We now also know that the use of hearing aids can be an affordable, effective way to improve cognitive function and possibly even reduce the risk of dementia. This significant, unexpected finding opens up new possibilities for effectively combating this devastating disease,” explained Prof. Robert Perneczky at the ResDem Congress in Munich.

A new study from Taiwan, based on health data from approximately 16,000 people, shows that people with hearing loss—particularly those between the ages of 45 and 64—have a higher risk of dementia than their peers without hearing difficulties. “Among the list of new risk factors, hearing loss in middle age is the most significant factor,” reports Perneczky.

How does dementia actually develop?

Dementia is a persistent or progressive impairment of memory, thinking, or other brain functions. The causes can vary.

Its development is influenced by a combination of genetic factors and lifestyle. In addition to hearing loss, other potential triggers include educational background, conditions such as damaged blood vessels that harm the brain, high blood pressure, or depression. However, lifestyle habits such as smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, obesity, lack of physical activity, and limited social interaction also contribute to the development of dementia.

According to estimates, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of irreversible dementia, accounting for approximately 60 to 65 percent of cases. Vascular dementia accounts for about 20 to 30 percent of cases. In about 20 to 30 percent of cases, there is a combination of both conditions. Other forms of dementia are found in only 5 to 15 percent of those affected.

What does hearing have to do with memory?

Memory requires constant stimulation; it must “work” in order to maintain mental capacity. When people suffer from hearing loss, they often withdraw from their social lives. They spend a lot of time alone, and their brains receive fewer stimuli as a result. This slows down their thought processes. The brain gets less exercise, and those affected become increasingly less mentally sharp.

“There’s a second connection,” says Prof. Perneczky. “If you have to concentrate heavily on listening during middle age, the brain has to work harder to hear. It then no longer has the mental capacity left to remember things.”

Does Hearing Loss Trigger Dementia?

Perneczky, however, rejects the idea that hearing loss in middle age is a kind of precursor to later-onset dementia. It is, however, a risk factor. “Hearing loss does not trigger dementia, but it does reduce resistance to it,” explains the professor. “Alzheimer’s progresses very slowly. Starting at age 40, proteins begin to accumulate in the brain. The brain tries to fight off this protein waste. But people with hearing loss use up their brain’s reserves. The brain burns out faster. This makes them more susceptible to dementia.”

How can you protect yourself from hearing loss?

There are many causes of hearing loss. Noise is considered one of the biggest risk factors. That’s why we should avoid exposing our ears to high levels of noise—especially when we’re young. Loud concerts or loud music through headphones are very harmful to our ears.

According to Perneczky, this often leads to hearing loss because, over time, certain frequencies are lost. By the way: Earplugs and hearing protection are the best ways to protect your hearing from noise. Of course, not exposing your ears to this noise in the first place is the very best option.

How can I reduce my risk of developing dementia?

There are a number of factors that play a crucial role in preventing dementia: In addition to a balanced diet and regular exercise, these include attending school, pursuing an education, working, engaging in hobbies, and maintaining social connections. After all, people who stay mentally active at work and in their free time continually provide their brains with stimulation and challenges, helping them to perform at their best and stay sharp.

It is precisely these activities that require good hearing. This is because people with hearing loss often withdraw from social situations; they are less socially active, do not talk much with others, and do not play music. Therefore, hearing aids significantly reduce the risk of dementia, as the use of hearing aids enhances cognitive abilities. Studies show that people with hearing loss who wear hearing aids have the same cognitive level as people who do not suffer from hearing loss.

However, many cases of hearing loss go untreated in this country: “About 14 million people in Germany have hearing loss. Of these, about half—that is, seven million—are candidates for a hearing aid. Currently, however, only half of them have been fitted with hearing aids,” explains Dr. Norbert Böttgers, vice president of the German Association for the Hard of Hearing.

This is also due to the fact that some people still feel ashamed to wear hearing aids and therefore gradually compromise their hearing and quality of life. The reason is usually an outdated perception of the image and performance of hearing aids. A consultation with your ENT doctor or a hearing care professional in your area will show you the possibilities offered by modern hearing aids. Following a free hearing test, you can easily try out a suitable hearing aid. This service is also free of charge.

How can I recognize hearing loss?

The earlier hearing loss is detected, the better one can preserve hearing and prevent related health problems. Since hearing loss usually develops gradually, many people don’t even notice at first that their hearing is impaired. For example, up to 30 percent of adults in Germany suffer from hearing loss, but only 12 percent are aware of it.

Todetect hearing loss early, you should have your hearing tested regularly by an ENT specialist or an audiologist. The German Federal Association of ENT Specialists has therefore long advocated for regular hearing screenings starting at age 50.

To learn about other potential consequences of hearing loss, read our article “Common Consequences of Hearing Loss.”