By Lawrence R. Lustig, MD More and more research points to a connection between hearing loss and dementia later in life. For people experiencing hearing loss, that connection leads to an obvious question: “Am I going to get dementia?” That question does not have an easy answer. Just because a person is experiencing hearing loss does not mean they will develop dementia....
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✦ The floor
Discussion
Signed responses from readers of the wire.
Clinicians should be prepared to counsel patients on the hearing loss–dementia link using current evidence, but this blog alone does not introduce new data or change screening or treatment protocols.
The hearing loss–dementia relationship is one of the most clinically and publicly resonant topics in audiology, and clear patient-facing communication guidance from a credible expert supports better shared decision-making.
- 01Hearing loss is recognized as a modifiable risk factor for dementia.
- 02Dr. Lustig addresses frequently asked patient questions on this topic.
- 03The post is aimed at helping both clinicians and patients navigate an evidence-based but nuanced subject.
- 04No new primary research is presented; the post synthesizes existing evidence.
- 05Practical communication guidance for the clinical encounter is the primary output.
There is a research-supported link between hearing loss and increased dementia risk.
studysupported