# Dementia and hearing loss: from risk to mechanisms and management

## TL;DR

Midlife hearing loss increases dementia risk, but the mechanisms are unclear, and this review explores the evidence and potential interventions.

## Contribution

This review critically evaluates the evidence linking hearing loss to dementia and highlights the need for integrated care and diverse research populations.

## Key findings

- Hearing loss in midlife is a modifiable risk factor for dementia.
- Current evidence on mechanisms linking hearing loss and dementia is inconclusive.
- Hearing interventions may help modify cognitive decline and dementia risk.

## Abstract

Hearing loss in midlife is an important and potentially modifiable risk factor for the development of dementia. Research examining the association between dementia and hearing loss has expanded rapidly; however, evidence for the mechanisms linking the two conditions is inconclusive, limiting the development of targeted interventions. This review provides a critical overview of current evidence on dementia risk in relation to hearing loss, proposed mechanisms underpinning this association, and emerging evidence on the effectiveness of hearing interventions in modifying trajectories of cognitive decline, dementia risk, and disease progression. Alongside its role as a risk factor, hearing loss commonly co-occurs with dementia, highlighting the need for integrated approaches to care that address the considerable impact of these co-morbid conditions on individuals and communities. Finally, we emphasise the importance of including diverse populations in future research to improve generalisability of findings and help advance equity in dementia prevention and care.