Hearing health is increasingly discussed as part of healthy aging. Research has found an association between hearing loss and increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia, although an association does not mean hearing loss is the sole cause.
One possible explanation is that hearing difficulty can make communication more effortful. Social withdrawal, reduced stimulation and the extra cognitive effort required to follow speech may also play a role.
Researchers have been interested in the relationship between hearing loss and cognitive health because hearing difficulties can change the way a person interacts with the world. Following speech can require more effort when sounds are unclear, particularly in environments with competing noise.
Hearing difficulty can also affect social participation. If conversations repeatedly become frustrating, a person may choose quieter situations or participate less often. Social connection and mental stimulation are important parts of healthy aging, which makes communication an important topic to consider.
Whether or not someone uses hearing technology, communication strategies can reduce unnecessary difficulty.
Consider discussing hearing concerns if someone frequently asks for repetition, struggles to follow group conversations, regularly increases the television volume, has difficulty hearing on the phone, or avoids situations because communication feels tiring.
Hearing care is only one part of healthy aging. Concerns about memory, thinking, mood, balance or other health changes should also be discussed with the appropriate healthcare professional.
A hearing assessment can help determine whether hearing difficulty is present and provide a starting point for discussing appropriate options.
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