Hearing Health for a Healthy Brain

About one in three older adults has hearing loss, and the risk increases with age.

Some people may not want to admit they have trouble hearing but ignoring it can make it worse⁶

Try these practical tips to help you and your family enjoy the brain health benefits of better hearing:

Regular hearing tests are key to catching hearing loss early. Start with a hearing screening at a doctor's office, especially if you are over 50 years old or notice that conversations feel harder to follow, especially in noisy settings. If family or friends often point out that your TV is too loud, it may be a sign to get your hearing tested. Don’t wait—early detection can make a big difference in keeping your brain and hearing healthy. ²

Loud sounds can damage your hearing over time, but small changes can protect your ears. Wear earplugs in loud environments like sporting events, concerts or when using power tools. Turn down the volume on your headphones, TV, and devices, and take breaks from loud environments to give your ears time to recover.³

If you are diagnosed with hearing loss, hearing aids can be life changing. Modern hearing aids make it easier to communicate with family, friends, and coworkers, and they can reduce the mental strain of listening. This can support better brain function over time and improve your confidence in daily activities. Using hearing aids may even help reduce the risk of cognitive impairment, according to experts.⁴

However, hearing aids aren’t the only option. Special training, certain medications, and surgery are some of the treatments that can also help with hearing loss. You can learn more here.⁸

Good hearing helps you stay connected to friends and family and enjoy life to the fullest. Being able to engage in conversations and social activities can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. It can also improve your mood, confidence, and overall well-being. Staying socially active helps support healthy brain function and memory. Hearing aids and proper hearing care can make it easier to enjoy hobbies, attend events, and connect with the people who matter most.⁵

If you’re concerned about your hearing, talk to your primary care doctor or an audiologist (a healthcare professional who specializes in hearing and balance disorders). They can help you find safe and effective solutions. This may include scheduling regular hearing tests, trying out hearing aids tailored to your needs, or learning strategies to manage hearing challenges in your everyday life.

For more information on hearing health, explore the following resources:

Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) – Local Chapters – Connect with others facing similar challenges through HLAA's nationwide support network.
https://www.hearingloss.org/chapters-state-orgs/

Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) – State-level resources for seniors, including hearing loss support.
https://acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/aging-and-disability-resource-centers

ALDA (Association of Late-Deafened Adults) – Support for adults who experience hearing loss later in life.
https://alda.org

Johns Hopkins Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health – Research on the link between hearing loss and dementia.
https://www.jhsph.edu/research/centers-and-institutes/cochlear-center-for-hearing-and-public-health/

Alzheimer’s Association – Covers the connection between hearing loss and dementia.
https://www.alz.org/research/for_researchers/ear-brain-connection

National Institute on Aging (NIA) – Provides research and updates on hearing loss as a potential risk factor for cognitive decline.
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-loss-and-older-adults

Medicare covers diagnostic exams for hearing issues, balance disorders, and ringing in the ears if ordered by a doctor, but it does not cover routine hearing tests, hearing aids, or fittings. However, other options like Medicaid (if you qualify), Medicare Advantage plans, retiree health insurance, or VA benefits may help with hearing care costs.