The Controversy About Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline
When Edward first walked into our clinic, he didn’t come because of memory problems. He came because his wife said the TV was always too loud.
But as we got talking, he shared something quietly — lately, he’d been forgetting words. Losing track of conversations. Feeling left out at family dinners.
It wasn’t just hearing loss. His brain was struggling to keep up.
Edward’s story is far more common than most people realize.
Hearing Loss Isn’t Just About Ears. It’s About the Brain.
For years, the link between hearing loss and cognitive decline was downplayed. But today, the evidence is piling up — and it’s too compelling to ignore.
At Timpanogos Hearing & Tinnitus, we’ve seen it firsthand: people withdraw, become anxious, and mentally fatigued as their hearing fades. And increasingly, science confirms what we’ve observed in the exam room — hearing loss can be an early warning sign of deeper brain changes.
That’s why we’ve taken a stand, in spite of what some in our industry say. We screen for cognitive red flags. We treat hearing loss early. And we talk openly about what this all means for brain health. Others may think that audiologists should just stick to ears. However, the reality is that we don't hear with our ears, we hear with our brains, so we follow the science and think brain first.
The Landmark Study That Changed Everything
More and more studies are making one thing clear: treating hearing loss is not just about communication — it may also protect your brain.
In a 2024 study published in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, researchers analyzed data from over 3,000 adults age 65 and older and found a compelling link:
Older adults who used hearing aids had a 24% lower risk of developing dementia over the study period compared to those who did not treat their hearing loss.
This is a significant finding — especially since it adds to a growing body of research, including the widely cited Lancet Commission report, which lists untreated hearing loss as the single largest modifiable risk factor for dementia.
Taken together, these findings make one thing clear: Hearing health is brain health. And treating hearing loss could be one of the most powerful tools we have to protect cognitive function.
Why Some Still Resist — And Why We Don’t
There’s still debate in some circles: Should audiologists bring up memory loss? Are we stepping out of bounds? We get asked every day, "Can hearing loss cause dementia?" and as experts in treating hearing loss and tinnitus, we need to answer them responsibly.
Here’s our perspective:
- We’re often the first to notice changes. Patients tell us things they haven’t even told their doctors — like struggling to follow conversations or feeling mentally foggy.
- We don’t diagnose dementia. But we do raise red flags, refer to specialists, and guide patients to the right care.
- Staying silent isn’t neutral. It’s a missed opportunity. Every month, we see lives changed — and possibly minds protected — simply because we started the conversation.
To us, that’s worth it.
What Treatment Actually Does for the Brain
Hearing loss increases the brain’s workload. Your mind strains to decode fuzzy sounds, leaving less bandwidth for memory and focus.
But when you treat it?
- 🧠 Cognitive load drops — freeing mental energy for other tasks
- 🧍♂️ Social connection returns — reducing isolation and its brain-health risks
- ⏳ Time matters — the earlier treatment starts, the more benefit you gain
In short, helping people hear better is about more than sound. It’s about giving their brain a break — and a boost.
What Makes Our Approach Different
At Timpanogos Hearing & Tinnitus, we’ve built our entire model around proactive, brain-first care:
✅ We screen for cognitive changes during every hearing exam using Cognivue
✅ We refer to trusted neurologists or physicians when needed
✅ We educate patients and families — in plain language
✅ We treat hearing loss and tinnitus early — because delay has consequences
We don’t just want you to hear better. We want you to live better, think clearer, and age with strength.
A Closing Word — And a Hopeful One
If you or someone you love is struggling to hear — even just a little — now is the time to act.
Not out of fear. But out of empowerment.
Because treating hearing loss might be one of the most powerful steps you can take to protect your mind, your memories, and your future.
📞 Ready to start? Call us or book a 15 minute call with one of our care coordinators to see how we can best help you. We’ll guide you with care, clarity, and real answers.
