Hearing loss linked to dementia

A novel study uncovered a significant association between audiometric hearing loss and dementia.

In a study published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, investigators analyzed the data of less than 3,000 community-dwelling individuals aged 66 to 90 years without dementia at baseline who participated in the ARIC-NCS study.

After a follow-up of eight years, the investigators identified 239 participants who developed dementia. They determined that 32% of incident dementia cases among older adults could be attributed to audiometric hearing loss. The risk of dementia following objective confirmation of audiometric hearing loss was higher among those aged 75 years and older, female participants and White participants.

The findings highlighted the critical need for public health interventions targeting hearing loss to delay or prevent dementia.

Read more: JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery

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