Audiology First: The Link Between Hearing Loss & Dementia

It has been an honour for me to represent audiologists and hearing health here in Southern Alberta. On Thursday, May 9th, 2024, I had the opportunity to present to an enthusiastic crowd at an event organized by the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs. The topic was, “The Link Between Hearing Loss and Dementia”.

It took place at the Lethbridge Seniors Community Organization (LSCO), and was featured in The Lethbridge Herald. Around 100 people took the time to come and listen to me speak. If you or someone you love suffers from hearing loss, this information could be very valuable to you—here’s what we discussed.

Hearing Health in Southern Alberta

Hearing loss is a common problem among seniors, and it’s something that tends to worsen with age. Southern Alberta potentially has more noise-induced hearing loss cases than other areas throughout the province and across the country, mostly due to farming practices and other heavy, noise-polluted industries.

Through our research and daily practice here at Audiology First, we estimate that more than 28,000 people in the South Health Zone could benefit significantly from hearing aid use. However, only about 30% of those aged 70 and above have tried one.

If you are one of the many people in our area who has trouble hearing (approximately 40% of us will experience significant hearing loss in our later years), your brain is at additional risk of dementia and other memory-related problems. People with hearing loss are much more likely to have impaired memory function, and other symptoms indicative of cognitive decline.

As an audiologist, it is my responsibility to ensure people with hearing problems are taken care of and looked after. I can help reduce your risk of memory loss, cognitive decline, and dementia—here’s how.

Dementia & Hearing Loss

Dementia can be a consequence of untreated hearing loss. The research on this is clear; here’s a summary of the literature for reference:

9% of all existing dementia cases may be associated with hearing loss.
There is evidence for additional brain shrinkage in those with hearing loss compared to those without.
Researchers have found markers for Alzheimer’s disease in people with hearing loss before any diagnosis of Alzheimer's has been made.
Individuals with mild, moderate, and severe hearing loss had a two-fold, three-fold, and five-fold increased risk of developing dementia, respectively, compared to those with normal hearing of the same age.
Even mild hearing loss is associated with a 19% increased risk of developing dementia over a 10-year period compared to those of the same age without hearing loss.

Field-Wide Consensus

Experts in dementia agree that hearing loss is one of the risk factors for dementia.

Experts have also said that some of our individual risk of dementia is difficult to pin down and a large percentage (some 60%) of our risk of developing dementia is not modifiable though lifestyle changes or by trying to make improvements to our health.

On the other hand, some of our lifestyle choices may affect our risk level for developing cognitive decline and dementia. This could be related to educational opportunities we received, how much exercise we get, our cardiovascular health, diabetes, alcohol intake, depression, and even obesity. Hearing loss is one of those risks that we can choose to treat or not. Hearing loss is described as a modifiable risk factor for dementia in the scientific literature, because there are treatments for hearing loss.

The theories linking Hearing Loss & Dementia

Deprivation from sound

Some scientists think that good communication, and high quality social interactions provides high levels of activity and processing through several areas of the brain, maintaining the complexity of the pathways involved in thinking our way through a conversation. Deprivation from sound suggests there is a cause and effect relationship between hearing loss and dementia; less interpersonal interaction may lead to fewer memory-forming interactions, less emotional engagement, and less brain exercise. Research shows that most people with hearing loss experience some level of social withdrawal and isolation, both of which are well-known risk factors of dementia. The brain loses what it does not use, decreasing the levels white matter in the brain that was previously being used to process sounds. A degree of dormancy in one area of the brain may influence the function of other brain areas. Fundamental changes to the brain structure itself may not influence whether dementia occurs, but it is thought that lack of use is what increases the risk of cognitive decline and dementia in some people. Not all people with hearing loss are at risk of total deprivation from sound, but some of the research seems to suggest that greater levels of hearing loss lead to worse rates of dementia.

Reduced 'Cognitive Reserve'

Some researchers have noted that hearing loss

Common cause theory

Other researchers feel that hearing loss and dementia happen simultaneously, from the same common cause.

Hearing Aids & Their Potential to Help

The most common and successful treatment for hearing loss is well-fitted hearing aids. These days, hearing aids are sleek, barely noticeable, ear-level devices with all the automation and convenience a person might need to make things easier. When properly and expertly fitted, hearing aids can reduce the risk of hearing loss-related dementia.

In one large study published in the Lancet in 2023, hearing aid use was associated with a 48% reduction in cognitive decline over three years compared to no hearing aid use at all. The evidence is, at this point, almost undeniable. We need to take action, and be preventative in the early stages of hearing loss to avoid these residual and highly disruptive issues.

Evidence-Based Hearing Aid Fittings

If you have hearing aids and are not currently using them, the clinic that provided them may not have followed the most up-to-date and best hearing care practices. Satisfaction with hearing aids can be quite low, likely due to the fact that only about 30% of hearing aids dispensed are fitted with evidence-based methods.

At Audiology First in Lethbridge, we will retune patients' hearing aids that were fitted elsewhere to help them hear better. We’re confident that we can make your hearing aid experience as seamless and natural as possible.

Audiology First: Hearing Care in Lethbridge & Southern Alberta

As Lethbridge's only independent audiology clinic, we are committed to following best practices and providing a level of care recognized province-wide. We fit every hearing aid with the brain in mind, and apply our own evidenced-based research to continually push the field forward.

There’s a big difference between all-inclusive hearing healthcare and a clinic that is simply selling hearing aids. Audiology First is that difference, and we always strive to provide our patients with the latest technology and treatment approaches.

If you need or wear hearing aids, we will ensure you get the most out of them. We will also retune hearing aids purchased elsewhere—at no charge. Come visit us today at Audiology First to take back your hearing health and find the solution that is right for you.

References

Loughrey DG, Kelly ME, Kelley GA, Brennan S, Lawlor BA. Association of age-related hearing loss with cognitive function, cognitive impairment, and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis [published online December 7, 2017]. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. doi:10.1001/jamaoto.2017.2513 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/fullarticle/2665726

Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission

Gill Livingston, Jonathan Huntley, Andrew Sommerlad, David Ames, Clive Ballard, Sube Banerjee, Carol Brayne, Alistair Burns,Jiska Cohen-Mansfield,Claudia Cooper,Sergi G Costafreda,Amit Dias,Nick Fox,Laura N Gitlin,Robert Howard,Helen C Kales,Mika Kivimäki et al. The Lancet 8–14 August 2020 vol. 396 issue 10248 Licensed Content Pages 34 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7392084/

Marcos-Alonso, S., Almeida-Ayerve, C. N., Monopoli-Roca, C., Coronel-Touma, G. S., Pacheco-López, S., Peña-Navarro, P., Serradilla-López, J. M., Sánchez-Gómez, H., Pardal-Refoyo, J. L., & Batuecas-Caletrío, Á. (2023). Factors Impacting the Use or Rejection of Hearing Aids-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of clinical medicine, 12(12), 4030. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12124030

Saunders GH, Lewis MS, Forsline A. Expectations, prefitting counseling, and hearing aid outcome. J Am Acad Audiol. 2009 May;20(5):320-34. doi: 10.3766/jaaa.20.5.6. PMID: 19585963. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19585963/

Hearing intervention versus health education control to reduce cognitive decline in older adults with hearing loss in the USA (ACHIEVE): a multicentre, randomised controlled trial. Lin FR, Pike JR, Albert MS, Arnold M, Burgard S, Chisolm T, Couper D, Deal JA, Goman AM, Glynn NW, Gmelin T, Gravens-Mueller L, Hayden KM, Huang AR, Knopman D, Mitchell CM, Mosley T, Pankow JS, Reed NS, Sanchez V, Schrack JA, Windham BG, Coresh J; ACHIEVE Collaborative Research Group. Lancet. 2023 Jul 17:S0140-6736(23)01406-X. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01406-X. Online ahead of print. PMID: 37478886 https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(23)01406-X/abstract

Wang HF, Zhang W, Rolls ET; Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative; Li Y, Wang L, Ma YH, Kang J, Feng J, Yu JT, Cheng W. Hearing impairment is associated with cognitive decline, brain atrophy and tau pathology. EBioMedicine. 2022 Dec;86:104336. doi: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104336. Epub 2022 Nov 7. PMID: 36356475; PMCID: PMC9649369. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36356475/

https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2023/new-study-links-hearing-loss-with-dementia-in-older-adults

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Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Medical Emergency You Can't Ignore

October 3, 2025

When it comes to audiology, there’s only one true emergency: sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) . Unlike gradual hearing loss that develops over years, SSNHL appears abruptly and requires immediate medical attention. Audiology First specializes in rapid emergency hearing care, with diagnostic protocols and treatment pathways designed to act fast when every hour matters. Quick intervention can mean the difference between full recovery and permanent hearing damage. Let’s learn how to recognize warning signs and understand what a treatment plan would look like. Understanding Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Definition and Criteria To an Audiologist, sudden sensorineural hearing loss is defined as a 30+ dB hearing loss (which in layman's terms would be a very noticeable change) across three different pitches of hearing within 72 hours. For it to be a true sudden sensorineural loss, it cannot be related to anything else, like wax blockage, fluid buildup or a blockage. It happens without warning and is often mistaken for a minor issue like earwax buildup or fluid in the ear, but the stakes are often much higher. Prevalence and Demographics SSNHL affects about 5 to 20 per 100,000 people annually , with thousands of cases reported across Canada. While it can strike at any age, adults in their 40s and 50s are more commonly affected. Unilateral vs. Bilateral Most cases are unilateral (one ear), but in rare circumstances, hearing loss can affect both ears. Bilateral cases are especially urgent and may point to underlying systemic or autoimmune conditions. Associated Symptoms Patients often experience additional warning signs such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness, or a sensation of fullness in the affected ear. Audiology First’s Emergency Assessment Our clinic prioritizes same-day evaluations , including audiometric testing and immediate physician referral when needed. By identifying SSNHL quickly, we aim to maximize the window for effective treatment and recovery. Remember that hearing care centers like Audiology First cannot treat sudden loss, but play a role in identifying it. If you cannot see an audiologist or another trained hearing care professional right away, you should not delay seeking medical help from a physician. If same day testing is not available, you should continue to seek help as a matter of urgency. We recommend using one or more of the following resources: Call Alberta Healthlink on 311 Visit an Urgent Care center Visit your local Emergency Room or Call a local Ear Nose and Throat specialist’s office Recognizing the Warning Signs Immediate Symptoms The hallmark sign is sudden hearing loss in one ear , which may feel like muffled sounds or difficulty understanding speech. Secondary Indicators Other red flags include persistent tinnitus, balance issues, and ear pressure that can accompany the hearing loss. When to Seek Emergency Care Time is of the essence. Some research shows that treatment is most effective when started within the first 72 hours . While some people’s hearing may recover spontaneously with or without treatment, delaying medical attention can lead to permanent hearing impairment . In some cases, hearing does not recover, even with prompt treatment. If you are experiencing dizziness at the same time as a hearing loss, do not drive yourself to seek help, but consider getting someone to drive you to any immediate appointments. Self-Assessment Techniques At home, a simple test is to cover one ear at a time when listening to a familiar sound (such as your phone or TV). If one side sounds significantly quieter or distorted, it’s an urgent signal to seek help. If you are a hearing aid user, it is important to check that your hearing aid is not blocked or malfunctioning in some way, giving the appearance of a sudden change in hearing. Treatment Options and Protocols Audiologists and Hearing Care Professionals cannot prescribe medications, but these are some of the options offered to people with sudden loss when they visit a medical professional. Corticosteroid Therapy The primary treatment for SSNHL is corticosteroids, delivered either orally or through intratympanic injections. These reduce inflammation and improve the likelihood of hearing recovery. Prednisone is often prescribed. Treatment Timing Prompt treatment is crucial. Patients who start therapy within 14 days of onset have significantly better outcomes. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy For patients who don’t respond to steroids, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can serve as a salvage treatment, improving oxygen delivery to the inner ear. Supportive Care Managing related issues like tinnitus or dizziness may require additional therapies, including hearing aids or vestibular rehabilitation. Audiology First’s Treatment Approach We have a great relationship with the local ENT specialists, and coordinate all aspects of care with them to ensure each patient has access to the best possible recovery options. Recovery and Rehabilitation Recovery Timelines: Recovery can range from a few days to several months, depending on the severity and speed of treatment. Some patients regain full hearing, while others experience only partial improvement. Hearing Aid Considerations: For those with lasting deficits, modern hearing aids can provide amplification and restore communication confidence. Tinnitus Management: Persistent ringing in the ears is often a consequence of hearing loss that can be managed through sound therapy, well fitted hearing aids, counseling, and tinnitus retraining techniques. Follow-up Care: You should return to the clinic for a series of routine follow up tests over the weeks and months following a sudden hearing loss. This allows us to measure whether treatments have been successful, and to treat any residual hearing loss. Audiology First’s Rehabilitation Services For those who need it, Our team provides comprehensive recovery support, including custom hearing aid fittings, counseling, and personalized rehabilitation plans. Prevention and Risk Factors Known Risk Factors Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss has been linked to the following: Viral infections Autoimmune disorders Circulatory problems Certain medications Age-related vulnerabilities Protective Measures Protecting your hearing from loud noise, avoiding ototoxic medications when possible, and treating systemic health issues can lower risk. Early Detection Baseline hearing tests and regular audiology check-ups can help detect changes early and establish a benchmark for comparison. Lifestyle Factors It is difficult to note which factors may reduce the risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss, but a healthy lifestyle—including balanced nutrition, exercise, and cardiovascular health—supports long-term hearing preservation. Audiology First’s Prevention Programs We provide preventive screenings, personalized risk assessments, and educational resources so patients can take proactive steps toward protecting their hearing health. Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss is not a typical hearing problem…it’s a medical emergency. If you or someone you know experiences sudden hearing loss, don’t wait, contact Audiology First immediately during business hours, or contact any other trusted hearing care clinic. If you cannot reach us, please seek immediate medical attention. Book your hearing evaluation today and take the first proactive step in protecting your long-term hearing health.