Hearing Health for a Healthy Brain
Studies have shown that hearing loss, especially when untreated, can be linked to a higher risk of developing dementia. Discover how hearing health supports brain health and reduces the risk of memory loss. Learn simple, effective ways to protect your hearing, stay connected, and support overall well-being as you age.
You Can Take Action
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 worse.
Try these practical tips to help you and your family support brain health through better hearing:
Get Your Hearing Checked Regularly.
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.
Protect Your Ears from Loud Noises.
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.
Use Hearing Aids if Needed.
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. 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.
Stay Socially Active.
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.
Get Checked - Talk to Your Doctor About Hearing Health.
If you’re concerned about your hearing, talk to your primary care doctor or an audiologist. They can help you find safe and effective solutions, including hearing tests, hearing aids, and management strategies.
Insurance and Cost Options for Hearing Care.
Medicare covers diagnostic hearing exams when ordered by a doctor but does not typically cover routine hearing tests or hearing aids. Other options such as Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, VA benefits, or retiree insurance may help cover costs.
Citations
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss
- https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/hearing-loss-in-older-adults-screening
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/hearing-loss/4-ways-to-protect-your-hearing
- https://www.healthyhearing.com/help/hearing-aids/health-benefits
- https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/better-me/surprising-benefits-of-hearing-aids
- https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-and-hearing-loss/hearing-loss-common-problem-older-adults
- https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-qa-tool/does-medicare-cover-hearing-tests.html
- https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-and-hearing-loss/hearing-loss-common-problem-older-adults#devices-to-help-with-hearing-loss
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