It is important not to focus solely on hearing loss or hearing aids because dementia risk may be attributable to many other health factors that intersect with hearing loss and communication.
There is still no evidence based on randomized, controlled trial (RCT) studies that treating hearing loss reduces the risk of dementia.
ACHIEVE is the first RCT to investigate if comprehensive audiologic rehab (AR), not just hearing aid use, could reduce the rate of decline in cognitive performance.
The ACHIEVE results released in July 2023 showed no significant overall effect of AR on the rate of cognitive decline.
There was slower cognitive decline in a specific higher risk sub-group, that began the study with poorer cognitive performance and other risk factors for dementia (smoked more, less education, more often lived alone, more likely to have diabetes and hypertension).
Hearing loss is only one of a growing set of risk factors for dementia. For example, sleep disturbances, LDL cholesterol, and vision loss have been added to the list over time.
People living with hearing loss may find it worthwhile to learn about the importance of non-audiologic risk factors. For example, the management of health conditions (depression, hypertension, obesity, diabetes) and making lifestyle changes (more physical activity, more social engagement, not smoking, not consuming excessive amounts of alcohol).
Most importantly, hearing solutions may improve communication abilities conducive to increasing physical and social activities.
From “The Risks of Explaining Hearing Loss as a Potentially Modifiable Risk Factor for Dementia—Summer 2024 Update on New Global and Canadian Population Attributable Fractions” in Canadian Audiologist, by Dr. Kathy Pichora-Fuller, PhD, Aud(C), RAUD, FCAHS.
Related post: Do hearing aids prevent dementia?
