My husband has dementia and is also losing his hearing. Lately he seems more confused, withdrawn, and frustrated, and I am not sure what is from the dementia and what is from the hearing loss. How can I tell the difference, and what should we do next?

February 2026

You are not alone in this, and you are asking exactly the right question.

Dementia and hearing loss often show up together, and they can blur into each other in daily life. Someone who does not hear well may look more confused, may answer off topic, or may pull back from conversations simply because trying to keep up is exhausting. That can feel like a sudden change in dementia, even when a big part of the problem is that the world has become harder to hear.

Rather than trying to perfectly sort out which symptom belongs to which condition, it can help to think this way. Anything that makes hearing easier will almost always make thinking, mood and connection easier too. If your husband follows better in a quiet room than at a busy family gathering, or does better when he can see your face and you speak slowly, but seems much more lost when there is background noise or people talking over each other, that is a strong clue that hearing is playing a major role.

If he has not had a recent hearing evaluation, that is an excellent next step. A good hearing professional can clarify what kind of hearing loss is present and what might help. If he already has hearing aids, it may be time to adjust or troubleshoot them, especially if he finds them uncomfortable or overwhelming.

Small changes at home also matter. Turn off the television during conversations, get his attention before you speak, face him, and give a little extra time for him to respond. This is not talking down to him. It is giving his brain and ears the best chance to work together.

At Lizzy Care, we see hearing as a core part of dementia care, which is one reason we partner with the Center for Hearing and Communication. Your Lizzy Care team can help you think through next steps, connect you with hearing resources, and fold hearing support into his overall care plan. You have already taken an important step by noticing these changes and asking for help.

Each month, Dr. Marc Rothman, our CEO and a seasoned geriatric expert, addresses your concerns, providing practical advice and compassionate solutions to the challenges faced by those caring for loved ones with dementia. Whether you’re looking for strategies to manage daily care routines or need clarity on medical aspects of dementia, Dr. Marc is here to help. Join us to explore his responses to community questions and submit your own queries to deepen your understanding and enhance your caregiving journey.

If there’s a question you’d like to ask Dr. Marc send it to us.