Are you accidentally damaging your hearing? Experts reveal must-know tips to protect it as you age
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As we get older, it’s easy to brush off a bit of muffled sound or the need to turn up the telly as just another part of ageing.
But did you know that protecting your hearing is about much more than just being able to enjoy your favourite tunes or catch every word of the grandkids’ stories?
Recent research is shining a spotlight on the surprising links between hearing loss and brain health—including dementia—making it more important than ever to look after your ears.
Let’s dive into why your hearing deserves a spot at the top of your health checklist, what the experts recommend, and some practical steps you can take to keep your ears (and your mind) sharp for years to come.
It’s not just about volume—hearing loss is often a matter of clarity.
As audiologist Nicholas Reed from NYU Langone Health Optimal Aging Institute explains, we tend to lose hearing at different frequencies, which can make sounds seem garbled or conversations hard to follow, especially in noisy places.
And while it’s common to 'normalise' hearing loss as we age, experts warn that ignoring it can have serious knock-on effects.
One of the biggest concerns? Communication.
Struggling to hear can make it harder to connect with loved ones, participate in social activities, or even communicate with your doctor. Over time, this can lead to social isolation, loneliness, and even impact your mental health.
You might be surprised to learn that several studies have found a connection between hearing loss and an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
While researchers haven’t proven that hearing loss directly causes dementia, the association is strong enough to make experts sit up and take notice.
A recent study of nearly 3,000 adults aged 66 to 90 found that up to 32% of dementia risk in the group was potentially linked to hearing loss measured through testing.
The theory is that when you can’t hear well, your brain has to work overtime to fill in the gaps, which can be mentally exhausting. Plus, missing out on conversations and social activities can lead to isolation—a known risk factor for cognitive decline.
The good news? Treating hearing loss—such as by using hearing aids—may help delay the onset of dementia in some people.
A 2023 analysis even found that people who used hearing devices had a lower risk of cognitive decline. While more research is needed, it’s a promising sign that looking after your ears could also help protect your brain.
While some hearing loss is due to age-related changes in the inner ear or genetics (which we can’t control), there are plenty of things you *can* do to protect your hearing:
Hearing aids are more accessible than ever, with both prescription and over-the-counter options available. They do take some getting used to, but the benefits—better communication, less social isolation, and possibly even a healthier brain—are well worth it.
Assistive technologies are also on the rise. From personal amplifiers to apps that convert speech to text, there are more ways than ever to stay connected.
Even some wireless earbuds, like the Apple AirPods Pro 2, now offer built-in hearing assistance features for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Your Action Plan for Healthy Hearing
- Book a hearing test—even if you think your hearing is fine.
- Protect your ears from loud noises (think: concerts, power tools, and even the lawn mower).
- Manage your overall health, especially blood pressure and diabetes.
- Don’t ignore the signs—if you’re struggling to follow conversations, ask for help.
- Explore hearing aids or assistive devices if needed, and give yourself time to adjust.
- Stay connected with friends, family, and your community.
Read more: Are you at risk of industrial deafness? Here's the signs you need to know
Have you noticed changes in your hearing as you’ve gotten older? What tips or tools have helped you stay connected? Share your experiences, questions, or advice in the comments below!
But did you know that protecting your hearing is about much more than just being able to enjoy your favourite tunes or catch every word of the grandkids’ stories?
Recent research is shining a spotlight on the surprising links between hearing loss and brain health—including dementia—making it more important than ever to look after your ears.
Let’s dive into why your hearing deserves a spot at the top of your health checklist, what the experts recommend, and some practical steps you can take to keep your ears (and your mind) sharp for years to come.
It’s not just about volume—hearing loss is often a matter of clarity.
As audiologist Nicholas Reed from NYU Langone Health Optimal Aging Institute explains, we tend to lose hearing at different frequencies, which can make sounds seem garbled or conversations hard to follow, especially in noisy places.
And while it’s common to 'normalise' hearing loss as we age, experts warn that ignoring it can have serious knock-on effects.
Early research suggests hearing loss in older adults may be linked to an increased risk of dementia. Image source: Sharon Waldon / Unsplash. Disclaimer: This is a stock image used for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual person, item, or event described.
One of the biggest concerns? Communication.
Struggling to hear can make it harder to connect with loved ones, participate in social activities, or even communicate with your doctor. Over time, this can lead to social isolation, loneliness, and even impact your mental health.
You might be surprised to learn that several studies have found a connection between hearing loss and an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
While researchers haven’t proven that hearing loss directly causes dementia, the association is strong enough to make experts sit up and take notice.
A recent study of nearly 3,000 adults aged 66 to 90 found that up to 32% of dementia risk in the group was potentially linked to hearing loss measured through testing.
The theory is that when you can’t hear well, your brain has to work overtime to fill in the gaps, which can be mentally exhausting. Plus, missing out on conversations and social activities can lead to isolation—a known risk factor for cognitive decline.
The good news? Treating hearing loss—such as by using hearing aids—may help delay the onset of dementia in some people.
A 2023 analysis even found that people who used hearing devices had a lower risk of cognitive decline. While more research is needed, it’s a promising sign that looking after your ears could also help protect your brain.
While some hearing loss is due to age-related changes in the inner ear or genetics (which we can’t control), there are plenty of things you *can* do to protect your hearing:
- Manage health conditions: High blood pressure and diabetes are linked to hearing loss, so keeping these under control is important.
- Limit noise exposure: Loud noises from concerts, power tools, lawn mowers, or even headphones can damage your hearing over time. Over-ear headphones are better than earplugs for concerts, according to Reed.
- Adopt healthy habits: A healthy lifestyle—including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and not smoking—can all help protect your hearing.
Hearing aids are more accessible than ever, with both prescription and over-the-counter options available. They do take some getting used to, but the benefits—better communication, less social isolation, and possibly even a healthier brain—are well worth it.
Assistive technologies are also on the rise. From personal amplifiers to apps that convert speech to text, there are more ways than ever to stay connected.
Even some wireless earbuds, like the Apple AirPods Pro 2, now offer built-in hearing assistance features for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Your Action Plan for Healthy Hearing
- Book a hearing test—even if you think your hearing is fine.
- Protect your ears from loud noises (think: concerts, power tools, and even the lawn mower).
- Manage your overall health, especially blood pressure and diabetes.
- Don’t ignore the signs—if you’re struggling to follow conversations, ask for help.
- Explore hearing aids or assistive devices if needed, and give yourself time to adjust.
- Stay connected with friends, family, and your community.
Read more: Are you at risk of industrial deafness? Here's the signs you need to know
Have you noticed changes in your hearing as you’ve gotten older? What tips or tools have helped you stay connected? Share your experiences, questions, or advice in the comments below!
