Hearing loss is more than just an inconvenience. It can lead to problems with communication, social isolation, and even reduced alertness. Over time, it may also contribute to memory problems and overall cognitive decline.
A new study from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) has found that the combination of hearing difficulties and feelings of loneliness can speed up memory loss in older adults.
The research team looked at data from 33,000 people across 12 European countries, including Switzerland.
All participants were over 50 years old and took part in the long-running SHARE study, which has tracked health, memory, and lifestyle factors in older adults since 2002. Every two years, participants answer questions about their social lives, feelings, and health, and they complete memory tests.
The researchers found that hearing loss alone was a concern, but the impact on memory was much worse when people also reported feeling lonely. Interestingly, the feeling of loneliness mattered more than actual social isolation.
In other words, even people who weren’t physically alone, but still felt lonely, experienced faster memory decline if they had hearing problems.
The team identified three groups among the participants: those who were both socially isolated and lonely, those who were not isolated but still felt lonely, and those who were isolated but didn’t feel lonely.
It was the second group—people who had social connections but still felt lonely—that showed the strongest link between hearing loss and faster memory loss.
Professor Matthias Kliegel from UNIGE explained that for these individuals, the problem might be that their hearing loss creates a barrier to fully participating in conversations or group activities, even though they are not actually alone. This could make them feel cut off, which increases emotional stress and may lead to faster cognitive decline.
The study highlights the need for early and preventive hearing care, especially for older adults. Even simple steps like using a hearing aid could make a big difference. If people already have social networks, improving their hearing might help them feel more connected and reduce the risk of memory problems.
The World Health Organization predicts that by 2050, 2.5 billion people will experience hearing problems. Right now, more than 25% of people over 60 already live with serious hearing issues. This study adds to growing evidence that untreated hearing loss can harm not only communication but also brain health.
The researchers hope that their findings will help shape new public health strategies. They suggest that hearing care and emotional support should be part of efforts to help older adults stay mentally sharp and socially connected for as long as possible.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about low choline intake linked to higher dementia risk, and how eating nuts can affect your cognitive ability.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that blueberry supplements may prevent cognitive decline, and results showing higher magnesium intake could help benefit brain health.
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