Hearing loss is very common as we age. For people between the ages of 65 and 75, at least one-third have some degree of hearing loss. For Americans older than 75, about 50 percent of them have a degree of hearing loss. There are also many documented health and social consequences related to hearing loss.

The inner ear is closely associated with balance, so hearing loss can increase your risk of falls and injuries. Inability to hear and interact with the people you live with or see on a regular basis also contributes to stress, anxiety and depression.

In addition, studies* have shown that your risk for dementia increases with every 10 decibels (dB) of hearing loss. For reference:

• 30 dB is equivalent to someone whispering nearby;
• 60 dB is equivalent to a conversation at a normal voice level;
• 90 dB is equivalent to the sound of a lawn mower or window air conditioner;
• 120 dB is equivalent to the sound of an emergency siren or a vehicle’s horn from about a block away.

­“Being unable to hear sounds that you may feel are small or unimportant can make a big difference in your risk for memory problems and dementia,” says Austin Singleton, vice president of provider network and audiology for TruHearing.

Studies tie hearing loss and dementia risk

Recent studies* have examined 12 factors that can increase a person’s risk for developing dementia. The factors included air pollution, traumatic brain injury and education levels. It showed that hearing loss was the number one contributor to an increased risk of dementia.

“Treating hearing loss can have a significant impact when it comes to preventing or delaying dementia and keeping your mind sharp,” says Singleton. “For those experiencing hearing loss, wearing hearing aids has been shown to be one of the most effective way to protect against dementia.”

Additionally, loneliness and social isolation have been associated with a 40 percent increased risk of dementia. When you experience hearing loss, you can become less connected to the world around you as you hear fewer sounds. That can lead to difficulty communicating or engaging in social settings, which has also been linked to an increased risk in memory issues and dementia.

Early intervention is key

Early intervention is critical to treating hearing loss, as the longer it goes untreated, the worse it gets. That also means balance, mental health and memory issues get worse the longer hearing loss goes unaddressed.

People of all ages experience hearing loss and wear hearing aid devices. Fortunately, there has been a great deal of advancement in hearing aid technology. Modern hearing aids are often so small, no one can see them hiding inside of your ear. They are also a great deal more effective than hearing aids of the past.

Easy two-step follow up for hearing loss

Taking a hearing exam is a good way to see if you are experiencing hearing loss and may benefit from a hearing aid device.

Blue Cross MN Medicare plans cover a hearing exam and offer varying hearing aid benefits. In a few quick steps, Medicare members can test their hearing and learn more about options for hearing loss, if applicable.

First: Schedule a free online hearing screening.

Second: If needed, learn about additional specific coverage for hearing aid devices by calling the number on the back of your member ID card or TruHearing at (855) 233-1046.

 Editor’s note: Austin Singleton holds a doctor of audiology (AuD), Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology (FAAA).

 *Studies referenced:

1 Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission Livingston, Gill et al. The Lancet, Volume 396, Issue 10248, 413 – 446.  

2 Angelina R Sutin, PhD, Yannick Stephan, PhD, Martina Luchetti, PhD, Antonio Terracciano, PhD, Loneliness and Risk of Dementia, The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, Volume 75, Issue 7, September 2020, Pages 1414–1422.