Understanding the Link: What percentage of people with hearing loss get dementia?

Oct 15, 2025 3 min read •

Senior Health dementia hearing-health

According to a 2023 JAMA study of older adults, the weighted prevalence of dementia was 16.52% in those with moderate to severe hearing loss, compared to 6.19% in those with normal hearing. This statistic highlights why answering "What percentage of people with hearing loss get dementia?" is not a simple matter; the risk is directly tied to the degree of hearing impairment.

Quick Summary

The risk of developing dementia varies widely based on the severity of hearing loss. Research demonstrates that managing hearing loss, for instance with hearing aids, can substantially mitigate this increased risk.

Key Points

Risk Is Dose-Dependent: The percentage of people with hearing loss who develop dementia is not a single number, but a risk factor that increases with the severity of the hearing impairment.
Major Modifiable Risk Factor: Hearing loss is identified as one of the largest modifiable risk factors for dementia, potentially accounting for a significant portion of cases globally.
Hearing Aids Lower Risk: Studies indicate that using hearing aids can significantly reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia prevalence in older adults with hearing loss.
Three Main Mechanisms: The link is explained by increased cognitive load, social isolation, and accelerated brain atrophy.
Early Intervention is Key: Addressing hearing loss early is a crucial proactive step for maintaining cognitive health.
Treatment Benefits Go Beyond Hearing: Managing hearing loss also frees up cognitive resources and promotes social engagement, which are protective factors for brain health.
High Prevalence in Dementia Patients: Nearly 80% of people with Alzheimer's and related dementias had hearing loss.

While a direct percentage of individuals with hearing loss who will develop dementia cannot be provided, extensive research confirms a strong association, with the risk escalating alongside the severity of hearing impairment. This link is so pronounced that hearing loss is now recognized as the single largest potentially modifiable risk factor for dementia.

The Strong Statistical Link Between Hearing Loss and Dementia

Scientific studies have provided compelling data illustrating the connection between declining hearing and cognitive health. The link is not casual but appears to be a factor that significantly influences long-term brain health in older adults.

Findings from Major Research Studies

A nationally representative study of US Medicare beneficiaries found that the prevalence of dementia among participants with normal hearing was 6.19%, rising to 8.93% for mild hearing loss and 16.52% for moderate to severe hearing loss. This demonstrates a dose-dependent relationship between hearing loss and dementia prevalence. The Lancet International Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention and Care estimated that hearing loss accounts for a significant portion of potentially preventable dementia cases globally.

Severity of Hearing Loss Magnifies the Risk

Studies consistently show a direct relationship between the degree of hearing loss and increased dementia risk. One study observed adults with mild hearing loss had double the risk of developing dementia compared to those with normal hearing. The risk tripled for individuals with moderate hearing impairment, and for those with severe hearing loss, the risk escalated to five times that of individuals without hearing loss.

How Hearing Loss Puts the Brain at Risk

Researchers propose several theories for the link between hearing loss and dementia: Increased cognitive load on the brain from processing sound, social isolation due to communication difficulties, and accelerated brain atrophy in auditory areas.

Addressing the Risk: Intervention and Treatment

Treating hearing loss, particularly with hearing aids, may help slow cognitive decline and potentially lower dementia risk.

The Impact of Hearing Aids on Cognitive Decline

A 2024 JAMA study found that hearing aid users with hearing loss had a considerably lower risk of dementia compared to non-users with hearing loss. A randomized controlled trial in The Lancet showed that hearing aid users at higher dementia risk experienced an almost 50% slower rate of cognitive decline over three years.

Comparison of Dementia Prevalence by Hearing Status


Hearing Status	Prevalence of Dementia in Older Adults	Increased Dementia Risk (vs. Normal)
Normal Hearing	~6.2%	Reference
Mild Hearing Loss	~8.9%	2x
Moderate to Severe Hearing Loss	~16.5%	3x to 5x

Conclusion: A Proactive Approach to Brain Health

While there is no fixed percentage of individuals with hearing loss who will develop dementia, the relationship is clear and significant, with risk increasing based on severity. Untreated hearing loss contributes to heightened risk through cognitive load, social isolation, and potential brain atrophy.

Fortunately, hearing loss is a modifiable risk. Treating it, especially with hearing aids, can help mitigate these factors and protect cognitive function. Regular hearing check-ups are crucial for healthy aging. Being proactive about hearing health is a practical step toward maintaining overall brain health as you age. For more information, visit the {Link: Johns Hopkins Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2023/hearing-aids-may-slow-dementia-onset}.

What to Do If You're Concerned

If you have or suspect hearing loss, get a professional evaluation and discuss concerns with your doctor. Addressing hearing loss is a powerful step in protecting long-term cognitive health.

Steps to Take:

Get a Hearing Test: Detect hearing loss early.
Explore Hearing Aids: Discuss amplification if diagnosed.
Stay Socially Active: Use assistive devices for communication.
Prioritize Overall Health: Manage other modifiable risk factors like blood pressure and diabetes, and stay active.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, there is no single, direct percentage. Research shows a strong correlation between hearing loss and an increased risk of dementia, but the risk varies based on the severity of the hearing impairment and other individual health factors.

A Johns Hopkins study found that compared to normal hearing, mild hearing loss doubled the risk of dementia, moderate loss tripled it, and severe impairment increased it by five times. Other studies have also confirmed a dose-dependent relationship, where the risk increases with the severity of hearing loss.

Yes. Several studies have shown that using hearing aids can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and lower the prevalence of dementia in older adults with hearing loss. One study found that users were significantly less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment than non-users.

The connection is attributed to several mechanisms: increased cognitive load on the brain from straining to hear, leading to fewer resources for memory; social isolation, which is a known risk factor for cognitive decline; and accelerated brain atrophy in auditory processing areas.

No, hearing loss is not a direct cause of dementia. Instead, it is a significant risk factor that can contribute to cognitive decline and accelerate the onset of dementia by negatively impacting several brain processes.

Hearing loss is recognized as the largest potentially modifiable risk factor for dementia, accounting for a notable percentage of overall cases globally. This highlights the importance of addressing hearing health as a preventive measure.

While age-related hearing loss is the most common form, research suggests that even mid-life hearing loss (ages 40-65) can increase the risk of developing dementia later in life. This emphasizes the importance of protecting hearing throughout adulthood.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.