This study adds neuroimaging support for the hearing loss–cognitive decline association, but does not yet establish causation or demonstrate that treating hearing loss prevents cognitive decline; audiologists should continue counseling older patients on the potential cognitive implications of untreated hearing loss as per existing guidance.

Neuroimaging evidence linking age-related hearing loss to cognitive decline strengthens the scientific case for early hearing intervention as a potential dementia-risk-reduction strategy.

1. 01Brain-imaging findings show an association between age-related hearing loss and markers of cognitive decline.
2. 02The study contributes neuroimaging-level evidence to the hearing loss–dementia debate.