Considering hearing loss as a modifiable risk factor for dementia.

Introduction: Accumulating evidence links hearing loss to impaired cognitive performance and increased risk for dementia. Hearing loss can lead to deafferentation-induced atrophy of frontotemporal brain regions and dysregulation of cognitive control networks from increased listening effort. Hearing loss is also associated with reduced social engagement, loneliness, and depression, which are independently associated with poor cognitive function.

Areas Covered: We summarize the evidence and postulated mechanisms linking hearing loss to dementia in older adults and synthesize the available literature demonstrating beneficial effects of hearing remediation on brain structure and function.

Expert Opinion: : Further research is needed to evaluate whether treatment of hearing loss may reduce risk of cognitive decline and improve neural consequences of hearing loss. Studies may investigate the pathologic mechanisms linking these late-life disorders and identify individuals vulnerable to dementia, and future clinical trials may evaluate whether hearing treatment may reduce the risk for dementia.