07/22/2026
๐ง ๐ Happy World Brain Day!
Hearing involves much more than the ears. The brain helps us recognize sounds, understand speech, locate where sounds are coming from, and stay connected to others.
Research has found an association between untreated hearing loss and an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Although hearing loss does not mean someone will develop dementia, reduced auditory input, increased listening effort, and social isolation may contribute to the connection.
The good news is that hearing loss is treatable. In the ACHIEVE study, hearing intervention slowed cognitive decline by nearly 50% over three years among older adults at increased risk for dementia. Learn more from the National Institute on Agingโ .
Protect your hearing, schedule routine hearing evaluations, and speak with an audiologist if you notice changes. Supporting hearing health may also help support brain health. ๐งก