Hearing loss is often dismissed as just a normal part of aging. You may note that it’s getting harder to understand conversations in person or when watching TV. You may have trouble ordering food in a noisy restaurant. You may not notice doorbells or alarms. And you may not hear when someone yells a warning or instructs you on how to move safely. Clearly, hearing loss can bring challenges. But do you resist getting your hearing checked, thinking that wearing hearing aids is only for others?
Addressing hearing loss is about more than restoring sounds. It’s a vital investment in your health, your independence, and your mental well-being. Left untreated, hearing loss is strongly linked to:
The good news is that routine hearing screenings can help catch hearing issues early. And using assistive devices such as hearing aids can improve quality of life and even help protect brain health. Research shows that wearing hearing aids can mean fending off dementia, depression, and anxiety. It can also help keep you from falling.
Learn more about how hearing aids and other assistive devices can improve your life.
While you may be familiar with the effects of hearing loss, you may wonder why it occurs in the first place. And it does occur often. Hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, is one of the most common age-related health issues. About 1 in 3 people ages 65 to 74 have some degree of loss. And nearly half of those 75 and older deal with some hearing issues.
Many factors can play a role in hearing loss as you age. These are:
Something to keep in mind about age-related hearing loss is that it often comes on slowly. This means you may not realize it’s happening. So, it’s vital to get your hearing checked.
The link between hearing loss and cognitive decline
Of the many reasons to treat hearing loss, the most compelling may be the link between hearing loss and dementia. Research shows that hearing loss is a major risk factor for dementia. To lower the risk, anyone with hearing issues can look into wearing hearing aids. It’s a simple treatment that really has no downside.
For those already dealing with dementia, hearing aids may help slow the progression of the disease. One study found that those diagnosed with dementia who wore hearing aids experienced an almost 50 percent reduction in the rate of cognitive decline compared with those in the study who didn’t wear hearing aids.
How can this link be explained?
Researchers have 3 theories for the link between hearing loss and mental decline:
The relationship between hearing loss and social isolation
Hearing loss can lead to social isolation and loneliness. When conversations swirl around you and can’t be followed easily, it’s hard to interact. Sometimes those with hearing loss tend to give up going to social functions. They talk less with others. This withdrawal can result in too much time alone.
When it comes to older adults, social isolation correlates with higher mortality rates as well as higher spending on health care.
The use of hearing aids allows for more social interaction, which not only enriches life but can also lower the risk of mental decline.
Hearing loss can affect balance and lead to falls
You may be surprised to learn that hearing loss is linked to a higher risk of falls. That’s because our ears play a vital role in both hearing and balance. If one suffers, so does the other. This means hearing loss can lead to both reduced inner ear function and poor spatial awareness. And this makes you more prone to lose your balance.
If someone also suffers from cognitive decline, the tendency to fall is even higher.
As falls are a leading cause of injuries and death for older adults, it’s important to boost balance by bringing your hearing back toward normal with hearing aids.
If you have any concerns about your hearing, start by talking with your doctor. You may be referred to an audiologist or an otolaryngologist (an ear, nose, and throat doctor). Once your hearing is tested, you will have choices for treatment, if needed.
Hearing aid options
There are some interesting new options for hearing aids available. Some are almost invisible when worn. And others don’t look like hearing aids at all. The stigma of wearing clunky, large hearing aids is no longer a reason to avoid using them. Here are some options you can think over:
Traditional but updated prescription hearing aids. These come in simple designs and may have features you can control with your smartphone. For example, you can use software to change the direction of amplification in a noisy restaurant. And you can make calls and listen to music using your phone’s Bluetooth connection.
Some traditional hearing aids now use clear, in-ear speakers that are barely visible to others when worn.
Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. These need no prescription and are useful if hearing loss is mild to moderate. They cost much less than prescription hearing aids and may be adequate if you are just noticing some trouble hearing.
Hearing glasses. Also known as audio glasses, these are eyeglasses with hearing aids in the frames. Microphones in the frames pick up and amplify sounds. A smartphone can control the audio to focus on sounds in front of or around you.
Hearing glasses may be a good answer if you are self-conscious about wearing hearing aids. People say that when they wear these glasses, no one suspects they are using hearing aids. The hearing glasses run at price points higher than OTC hearing aids but lower than some prescription hearing aids.
Earbuds. Some in-ear wireless speakers, such as certain AirPods, come with hearing aid software. Like OTC hearing aids, these can be helpful for mild to moderate hearing loss and are less costly than prescription hearing aids. Look for FDA-approved products.
Hearing loss is common in older adults. It’s easy to ignore, and the reluctance to wear visible hearing aids keeps some people from seeking help. But hearing loss can lead to serious health issues that can be prevented or slowed with the simple solution of hearing aids.
The first step is to be aware of the dangers of untreated hearing loss. The next step is to visit your doctor. Lastly, if hearing loss is diagnosed, consider the many modern options for hearing aids.
The sooner you get help for hearing loss, the lower your risk of serious health issues, such as cognitive decline. So, take advantage of the latest technology in hearing aids, boost your brain health, and help yourself live your best and healthiest life.
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This information is not intended to take the place of regular medical care or advice. Please check with your doctor before using this information or beginning any self-care program. Images used for this article do not depict any members of the Silver&Fit Program.
References
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This article was written by Sharon Odegaard, edited by Keleigh Somes, and clinically reviewed by Jossue Ortiz, DC, on August 28, 2025.