Hearing, Brain Health, and Dementia: Why Your Ears Matter More Than You Think

If you are caring for someone with dementia, chances are you are already juggling medications, appointments, safety concerns, mood changes and more. Hearing can feel like one more thing on a very long list.

But hearing is not just about volume or conversation. Untreated hearing loss is now recognized as one of the most important modifiable risk factors for dementia. Supporting hearing can make a real difference in thinking, mood and quality of life for both the person living with dementia and the people who love them.

That is why Lizzy Care is focusing on the connection between hearing loss and dementia and why we are so excited to be partnering with the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC) to better support families living with both.

The link between hearing loss and dementia

Large, long-term studies have shown a clear relationship between hearing loss and dementia. Even mild untreated hearing loss is associated with a higher likelihood of developing dementia over time. As hearing loss becomes more severe, that risk increases further.

Researchers think there are a few overlapping reasons for this:

• When hearing is hard, the brain has to work much harder just to follow conversation and that extra load may leave fewer resources for memory and thinking.
  
• People who cannot hear well often withdraw from social activities because it is exhausting or embarrassing to try to keep up. Social isolation and loneliness are themselves strongly linked with worse cognitive outcomes.
  
• Brain imaging studies suggest untreated hearing loss may be associated with faster shrinkage in areas of the brain involved in sound and memory.

None of this means hearing loss automatically leads to dementia, or that dementia always causes hearing loss. But the two conditions are closely connected, and ignoring hearing problems can make life harder, more confusing and more isolating.

Treating hearing loss can help

The good news is that hearing loss is often treatable, and supporting hearing seems to protect thinking and day-to-day functioning.

Studies suggest that older adults with hearing loss who use hearing aids may experience slower cognitive decline compared with similar adults who do not treat their hearing loss. Other research has found that people who use hearing aids may have a dementia risk closer to those with normal hearing, while those who leave hearing loss untreated carry a higher risk.

Beyond the research, caregivers tell us that when hearing is supported:

• Conversations are easier
  
• Arguments and misunderstandings decrease
  
• Their loved one seems more engaged and less withdrawn

That means that addressing hearing can make everyday life gentler for everyone.

Our partnership with the Center for Hearing and Communication

To strengthen this part of dementia care, Lizzy Care is proud to partner with the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC), a nationally recognized, non-profit leader in hearing health.

CHC offers:

• Comprehensive hearing evaluations
  
• Hearing aid fitting, programming and remote adjustments
  
• Specialized care for people with both hearing loss and cognitive changes
  
• Emotional and communication support for people with hearing loss and their families

Through this partnership, Lizzy Care families can more easily connect with high-quality hearing care that understands the realities of dementia, from mobility challenges and energy limits to the need for caregivers to be involved at every step.

What caregivers can do right now

If you are already stretched thin, thinking about hearing may feel like one more task for the to do list but instead, try to think of it as one more tool that can make life a bit easier.

Here are a few steps to consider:

Notice the signs.

Turning the TV up louder and louder, asking “what?” frequently, withdrawing from conversations, seeming confused in group settings, or “tuning out” in noisy places can all be signs of hearing changes, not just stubbornness or dementia alone.

Talk about comfort, not failure.

Many older adults feel embarrassed or defensive about hearing aids. It can help to frame hearing support as a way to make daily life less tiring, keep up with family conversations, and enjoy time with grandchildren, rather than fixing a problem.

Use your Lizzy Care team.

Your Lizzy Care navigator and clinical team can help you think through next steps, connect you with CHC or other trusted hearing providers, and build hearing goals into your overall care plan. That might include testing, trying hearing aids or assistive devices, or simple communication strategies for home.

Remember that you deserve support too.

When hearing is better managed, you are not repeating yourself as much, arguments may ease, and going out can feel less stressful. Supporting hearing is one more way of caring for your own well-being, not just your loved one’s health.

You do not have to navigate this alone

Hearing loss and dementia can feel like a daunting combination, but they are also an area where science is giving us real reasons to be hopeful. Addressing hearing is something tangible families can do to support connection, protect brain health and make everyday life a little calmer.

If you have questions about hearing loss, dementia, or whether a hearing evaluation might be right for your family, please reach out to your Lizzy Care team. We are here to help you think it through and connect you to the right support so you do not have to figure this out on your own.

Ready to Get Support?

Schedule a free consultation with Lizzy Care to see how we can help you navigate the delicate balance of caring for your loved one and caring for  yourself.

Fill out the form below to talk to someone about Lizzy Care’s services or visit https://hilizzy.com/guide/check/ to see if your family is eligible for free support through Medicare.

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