By Greta Minelgaite, student of the Master in Clinical Audiology and Hearing Therapy

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of hearing aids on dementia prevention, exploring their role in mitigating cognitive decline in individuals with hearing loss. The research seeks to address the growing public health concern of dementia, a condition expected to rise with global population aging. Grounded in theoretical frameworks such as Cognitive Load Theory and the Social Isolation Hypothesis, this systematic literature review synthesizes recent studies from 2018 to 2024. Mostly via restoring auditory input, lowering cognitive load, and increasing social interaction, the review reveals that usage of hearing aids is strongly linked with slower cognitive decline, lower dementia risk, and better brain health. Furthermore, underlined by neuroimaging research are the protective effects of hearing aids on brain areas important for cognitive ability and memory. Although the results are encouraging, restrictions include the need of long-term study and the lack of various population studies. This study underlines the need of early adoption of hearing aids and supports include them into public health campaigns meant to stop dementia. Hearing aids could become a main weapon in lowering the global dementia load by increasing awareness and accessibility.

Keywords: hearing loss impact, dementia prevention, hearing aids, cognitive decline, brain functioning, language processing, social isolation.

Download the full Research Work: Minelgaite, G.(2024). The Impact of Hearing Aids on Dementia Prevention: A Comprehensive Literature Review. SAERA