Can hearing aids actually prevent dementia in seniors?

A study suggests hearing aid use is associated with a 33% lower risk of dementia in older adults with hearing loss.

What did the Australian study find about hearing aids and cognitive health?

The study found hearing aid prescriptions lowered dementia risk by 33% and mild cognitive impairment risk by 15%.

Are hearing aids effective for memory and thinking tests?

While hearing aids may lower dementia risk, the study did not find immediate improvements in cognitive test scores.

Home / Health / Hearing Aids Cut Dementia Risk by 33%

Hearing Aids Cut Dementia Risk by 33%

15 Jan

Summary

Hearing aid use was linked to a 33% lower dementia risk.
A 15% lower risk of mild cognitive impairment was also observed.
Increased hearing aid use correlated with decreased dementia risk.

New research indicates that hearing aids may offer a significant benefit in reducing the risk of dementia for older adults.

A study published on January 14, 2026, in Neurology tracked nearly 2,800 Australians aged 75, all experiencing moderate hearing loss but not using hearing aids. Participants prescribed hearing aids showed a 33% lower incidence of dementia compared to those who were not.

Furthermore, hearing aid users experienced a 15% reduced risk of mild cognitive impairment, a precursor to dementia. The study also noted that increased frequency of hearing aid use was associated with a further decline in dementia risk, suggesting a protective effect on cognitive health.

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