Hearing loss can be tough to talk about, especially among seniors who might feel reluctant to discuss what they see as a sign of growing old. Yet it’s remarkably common. According to the National Council on Aging, if you’re 75 years old or older, there’s a 40 percent likelihood that you have some hearing impairment. What’s more, the problem is on the rise, with the incidence of hearing loss predicted to double by 2060. 

There are a host of reasons why dealing with hearing loss is important. This week we came across this article from Kiplinger that provides what for some people could be the most compelling reason of all: researchers are increasingly convinced that one of the single best ways to avoid – or at least slow – the onset of dementia is by dealing with hearing loss.  

In layman’s terms, hearing aids could lessen your risk of cognitive decline. To see how, let’s dive into the Kiplinger article, written by reporter Christy Bieber. 

Dementia’s Devastation Strikes Fear Among Seniors, Families 

Bieber begins by pointing out the shadow of anxiety that dementia casts over aging. “In fact,” she writes, “dementia is second only to cancer when it comes to medical problems Americans most dread developing.” 

Sadly, dementia is common, and is only growing in prevalence as the population grows older. “Worldwide, someone develops dementia every three seconds, and the lifetime risk of dementia over age 55 could be as high as 42 percent,” Bieber adds, a sobering thought.  

But there is good news. Doctors and scientists learn more about this condition every day, adding to their repertoire of treatment and prevention tools. Bieber writes, “Multiple studies have recently shown that a simple device could significantly decrease your risk: the hearing aid. We’ve broken down why it’s important and how you can get one for less money.” 

Hearing Loss Could Be the Top Risk Factor for Dementia 

As we’ve mentioned on the Blog before (most recently this article from last fall), research bears up a potential link between hearing loss and dementia. How big a link? Bieber notes in her article that epidemiological studies reveal “it may be the most significant known risk factor.” 

She adds, “Building upon this data, a large-scale study of 1,000 older adults published in The Lancet in 2023 evaluated the impact of treating hearing loss on dementia risk. Frank Lin, MD, PhD ’08, and lead author of the study, explained that among older and sicker study participants with the greatest risk of dementia, those who received the hearing aids experienced around half the cognitive decline over three years compared with those who received a control intervention.” 

New Research Confirms the Link Between Dementia Risk, Hearing Loss 

New research has added to the mounting evidence of a causal connection between hearing loss and dementia risk. This new research, published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, took a close look at the medical records of close to 3,000 participants in a large NIH study that began 38 years ago. The original study was intended to help us understand the causes of atherosclerosis and heart disease.  

The researchers reviewed the records of study participants with a mean age of 75 who had confirmed hearing impairment, and concluded that nearly one in three new dementia cases could be “attributed to clinically significant hearing loss.” That’s a huge percentage! 

Researchers Have Several Theories to Explain the Connection 

The authors of both studies did share some potential theories as to why hearing loss may have an impact on cognitive decline. Here are the most popular:  

Social Isolation. Bieber writes, “Hearing loss causes an increase in social isolation and a decline in activities that provide cognitive enrichment, both of which have been linked to a higher dementia risk.” 

Mental Strain. “Persistent strain on the brain results when your brain can’t get a clear sound from your ear,” Bieber explains. “As the brain reallocates resources to help with hearing, this comes at the expense of thinking and memory abilities and puts the brain at greater risk of other pathologies. This is called the cognitive load hypothesis.” 

Atrophy. “Hearing loss itself can affect the function and structure of the brain, causing the brain to atrophy faster due to reduced auditory stimulation,” Bieber writes.  

Regardless of the Link, Hearing Aids Offer Encouraging Results 

“All three theories suggest that treating hearing loss with something as simple as using a hearing aid could directly modify or affect those pathways and reduce the risk of cognitive decline,” explains Lin, one of the authors of the Lancet study, in this article from Johns Hopkins. 

But regardless of the reason, Bieber notes that there’s “little to lose and a lot to gain” by utilizing a hearing aid if you’re experiencing difficulties with your hearing, “particularly because of the link between hearing loss and loneliness and social isolation which, by themselves, can have a devastating impact on your overall health and well-being.” 

A Growing Number of Options to Get Affordable Devices 

Hearing aids used to be extremely expensive, but there are newer options. Bieber goes on to share a number of affordable ways to access hearing aids in various forms. (Remember, each person’s situation is unique, and what works for one person might not be right for another.) 

First, are you an Apple iPhone user? You can use AirPods, the in-ear earphones or earbuds, as hearing aids. “The FDA approved their use for mild to moderate hearing loss in 2024,” Bieber explains. “The FDA only tested Apple AirPods Pro 2 earbuds. You can take a and learn as hearing aids on the Apple website.” 

As a bonus, some users note that they feel less self-conscious using earbuds, since AirPods are a common sight, and no one can tell that they’re being used as hearing aids.  

Next, check with your insurance provider. If you are under 65 or still on private insurance (in other words, not on Medicare) your plan may be required to provide some level of coverage for hearing aids.  

But what if you are 65 or older? Unfortunately, Medicare does not provide coverage for hearing aids. But Bieber provides a handful of affordable options that could work for you: 

Medicare Advantage: Many Medicare Advantage plans cover some of the cost of hearing aids, so look around during open enrollment if you anticipate needing hearing help in the upcoming year.  

Medicaid: Your hearing aids may be at least partially covered, depending on your state.  

Veterans: Bieber explains, “The Veterans’ Administration (VA) requires that your hearing loss be related to an injury sustained during your service to get coverage. Various other scenarios will also qualify, such as if you are housebound, if your hearing loss is severe and interferes with daily living, and other cases.” 

Tax Strategies: Your HSA or FSA can both be used to pay for your hearing aids and lower your tax burden. You can also deduct the cost of hearing aids and related expenses if you itemize your deductions.  

Other Discounts: The Hearing Loss Association of America recommends seeking out vocational rehabilitation services. Your state may offer an assistance program.  

Big-Box Stores: Costco and Amazon also offer more affordable hearing aid products. “However, you should ask your doctor about the best options for getting a quality device that provides the support you need,” Bieber notes.  

Over-The-Counter (OTC) vs Prescription: There’s an important distinction here. OTC hearing aids are usually for people with mild to medium hearing loss. Johns Hopkins has a guide to the difference between the different kinds of hearing aids; ask your doctor which is the right option for you. 

With so many choices, and so much to gain in your overall health, Bieber concludes with an encouragement: “It’s worth researching to find a solution, as getting the right hearing aid could increase your quality of life and decrease your risk of dementia.” 

Rajiv Nagaich – Your Retirement Planning Coach and Guide 

The long-awaited book by Rajiv Nagaich, called Your Retirement: Dream or Disaster, has been released and is now available to the public. Retirement: Dream or Disaster joins Rajiv’s ground-breaking DVD series and workbook, Master Your Future, as a powerful planning tool in your retirement toolbox. As a friend of AgingOptions, we know you’ll want to get your copy and spread the word.  

You’ve heard Rajiv say it repeatedly: 70 percent of retirement plans will fail. If you know someone whose retirement turned into a nightmare when they were forced into a nursing home, went broke paying for care, or became a burden to their families – and you want to make sure it doesn’t happen to you – then this book is must-read. 

Through stories, examples, and personal insights, Rajiv takes us along on his journey of expanding awareness about a problem that few are willing to talk about, yet it’s one that results in millions of Americans sleepwalking their way into their worst nightmares about aging. Rajiv lays bare the shortcomings of traditional retirement planning advice, exposes the biases many professionals have about what is best for older adults, and much more. 

Rajiv then offers a solution: LifePlanning, his groundbreaking approach to retirement planning. Rajiv explains the essential planning steps and, most importantly, how to develop the framework for these elements to work in concert toward your most deeply held retirement goals.  

Your retirement can be the exciting and fulfilling life you’ve always wanted it to be. Start by reading and sharing Rajiv’s important message. And remember, Age On, everyone! 

(originally reported at www.kiplinger.com)