Illustration of an ear transforming into a brain, representing the connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline.

Can Hearing Loss Impact Your Brain? The Hidden Link Between Hearing and Cognitive Decline

Rhea Morgan in Health & Wellness July 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research reveals how hearing impairment can accelerate cognitive decline, highlighting the importance of early detection and intervention."

Hearing loss is more than just a sensory issue; it's increasingly recognized as a potential risk factor for cognitive decline. While it's understood that hearing impairment can affect how well we process sound, emerging research suggests it can also impact our memory, executive functions, and overall mental state. This has significant implications, especially as we age and the prevalence of hearing loss increases.

Past studies have shown a correlation between hearing loss and declines in cognitive abilities. However, the exact nature of this relationship is complex. Is it simply that cognitive decline affects our ability to perform on hearing tests, or does hearing loss somehow contribute to cognitive impairment? Understanding this temporal sequence—what comes first and how the two influence each other—is critical.

This article explores the findings of a recent study, 'Temporal Sequence of Hearing Impairment and Cognition in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging,' which investigated how hearing and cognitive functions interact over time. The research sheds light on how hearing loss might predict cognitive decline, offering valuable insights for community-dwelling older adults and those concerned about maintaining cognitive health.

Decoding the Link: How Hearing Loss Affects Cognitive Performance

Illustration of an ear transforming into a brain, representing the connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline.

The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging followed 313 non-demented participants aged 60 and older, assessing their hearing and cognitive functions over a two-year period. Hearing was evaluated using pure-tone audiometry (PTA), which measures the ability to hear different frequencies. Cognitive functions were assessed using a range of tests, including:

These tests measure various aspects of cognitive function, including visual and auditory processing, memory, attention, and overall mental status. By tracking these measures alongside hearing assessments, researchers aimed to understand how changes in hearing relate to changes in cognitive performance.

Trail-Making Test Part B (TMT-B): Measures visual attention and task switching.
Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST): Assesses processing speed and attention.
California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT): Evaluates verbal memory and learning.
Digit Span Forward/Backward: Tests working memory and attention.
Benton Visual Retention Test: Assesses visual memory.
Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE): Screens for cognitive impairment.

The study revealed that poorer hearing, as measured by PTA, was associated with declines in several areas of cognitive function, particularly in verbal memory. Specifically, participants with poorer hearing showed declines in immediate, short-delay, and long-delay recall on the CVLT, as well as in digit span forward. Interestingly, cognitive performance at the start of the study did not predict changes in hearing status over the two-year period.

Protecting Your Brain: What the Research Means for You

The findings of this study suggest that hearing loss can indeed contribute to cognitive decline, particularly in the realm of verbal memory. This underscores the importance of addressing hearing impairment early on, not just to improve auditory function but also to potentially protect cognitive health.

If you're experiencing hearing loss, consider getting a hearing aid. The study also highlights the importance of regular hearing checks, especially as you age. Early detection and intervention can make a significant difference in maintaining cognitive function.

By taking proactive steps to manage your hearing health, you can potentially reduce your risk of cognitive decline and maintain a sharper mind for longer. This research adds to the growing body of evidence that links hearing and cognitive health, reinforcing the need for a holistic approach to wellness as we age.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1093/gerona/gly268, Alternate LINK

Title: Temporal Sequence Of Hearing Impairment And Cognition In The Baltimore Longitudinal Study Of Aging

Subject: Geriatrics and Gerontology

Journal: The Journals of Gerontology: Series A

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Authors: Nicole M Armstrong, Yang An, Luigi Ferrucci, Jennifer A Deal, Frank R Lin, Susan M Resnick

Published: 2018-11-30

Everything You Need To Know

How does an impairment potentially impact brain function and cognitive abilities?

Research indicates that impairments can accelerate cognitive decline, affecting memory, executive functions, and overall mental state. Specifically, the 'Temporal Sequence of Hearing Impairment and Cognition in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging' suggests that declines in hearing, measured by pure-tone audiometry (PTA), are associated with declines in cognitive functions. This highlights the importance of early detection and intervention to potentially mitigate cognitive impairment.

What cognitive tests were used in the 'Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging' to assess participants' mental functions?

The 'Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging' employed several cognitive tests to assess participants' mental functions. These included the Trail-Making Test Part B (TMT-B) for visual attention and task switching, the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) for processing speed, the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) for verbal memory, Digit Span Forward/Backward for working memory and attention, the Benton Visual Retention Test for visual memory, and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) to screen for cognitive impairment. This comprehensive approach allowed researchers to track specific cognitive changes over time in relation to hearing status.

What specific cognitive function showed decline in participants with poorer hearing in the 'Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging'?

According to the 'Temporal Sequence of Hearing Impairment and Cognition in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging', poorer hearing, measured by pure-tone audiometry (PTA), is specifically linked to declines in verbal memory, as assessed by the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT). Participants with poorer hearing showed declines in immediate, short-delay, and long-delay recall on the CVLT, as well as in digit span forward, which tests working memory and attention. This suggests that addressing impairments early may help protect verbal memory function.

Can you explain the methodology used in the 'Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging' to investigate the relationship between impairment and cognition?

The 'Temporal Sequence of Hearing Impairment and Cognition in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging' followed 313 non-demented participants aged 60 and older over a two-year period. Hearing was evaluated using pure-tone audiometry (PTA), and cognitive functions were assessed using tests like the Trail-Making Test Part B (TMT-B), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT), Digit Span Forward/Backward, Benton Visual Retention Test, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). By tracking these measures alongside hearing assessments, researchers aimed to understand how changes in hearing relate to changes in cognitive performance.

What are the potential implications of the 'Temporal Sequence of Hearing Impairment and Cognition in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging' findings regarding the relationship between impairment and cognitive decline?

The 'Temporal Sequence of Hearing Impairment and Cognition in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging' study suggests that it is a significant factor that can contribute to cognitive decline, especially in verbal memory. While the exact mechanisms are still being researched, it's believed that the brain has to work harder to process sounds when hearing is impaired, diverting resources away from cognitive tasks like memory and attention. Addressing impairments early on, including the use of hearing aids or other interventions, may help mitigate these effects and protect cognitive health.