Hearing loss and cognitive function, auditory cortex cityscape

Is Your Hearing Loss Masking as Memory Problems? What You Need to Know

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research highlights how untreated hearing loss can mimic cognitive decline. Learn how to spot the difference and protect your brain health."

In our fast-paced world, staying sharp and connected is more important than ever. But what happens when you start mishearing conversations or struggling to follow along? Many people chalk it up to normal aging or stress, but recent studies are uncovering a surprising connection: hearing loss and cognitive function.

Hearing loss is incredibly common, especially as we age. What many don't realize is how much it can impact more than just our ability to hear. Neuropsychologists are increasingly aware that diminished hearing can create challenges, especially when assessments and interventions rely on accurately understanding spoken information. This can lead to misinterpretations and potentially impact cognitive health.

A groundbreaking feasibility study explored this critical intersection within a hospital-based neuropsychology clinic. Researchers examined the hearing status of 20 participants (average age 71) and how that knowledge influenced the clinical practices of neuropsychologists. The results are eye-opening, suggesting that addressing hearing loss could be a key strategy in supporting cognitive well-being.

The Sneaky Link Between Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline

Hearing loss and cognitive function, auditory cortex cityscape

Imagine trying to solve a puzzle when some of the pieces are missing. That's similar to what happens when you experience hearing loss. Your brain has to work harder to fill in the gaps, straining cognitive resources that would otherwise be used for memory, attention, and processing information.

Here’s why this matters: when we struggle to hear, it's easy to misinterpret information. This is a huge issue when neuropsychological tests are being administered, that require client to correctly hear test items. If an item is misperceived during the learning phase of a memory test (e.g., client repeats “wave” rather than “cave”), or the wrong number on a digit span test is repeated, test scores will be inappropriately low, and the client may appear more impaired than they really are. Its like a domino effect – reduced hearing reduces performance, potentially leading to misdiagnosis.

Brain Structure Changes: Studies show that hearing loss can accelerate brain shrinkage, particularly in areas related to hearing and memory.
Social Isolation: Difficulty hearing can lead to withdrawal from social activities, which is a known risk factor for cognitive decline.
Increased Cognitive Load: The brain has to work harder to process sounds, leaving fewer resources for other cognitive tasks.

The study revealed that a significant number of participants had at least mild hearing loss, and neuropsychologists weren't always accurate in estimating their clients' hearing status. This highlights the need for more routine hearing screenings in cognitive assessments.

Taking Control of Your Hearing Health: A Proactive Approach

The good news is that addressing hearing loss can have a positive impact on cognitive well-being. The study found that neuropsychologists used information about their clients' hearing status to make recommendations for audiologic services and educate clients and family members about hearing loss and communication strategies. Here are a few practical steps you can take:

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: 10.1017/s0714980818000557, Alternate LINK

Title: Considering Age-Related Hearing Loss In Neuropsychological Practice: Findings From A Feasibility Study

Subject: Geriatrics and Gerontology

Journal: Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Authors: Kate Dupuis, Iris Yusupov, Susan Vandermorris, Kelly L. Murphy, Dmytro Rewilak, Kathryn A. Stokes, Marilyn Reed

Published: 2018-12-07

Everything You Need To Know

How can hearing loss affect cognitive function?

Untreated hearing loss can mimic cognitive decline because the brain works harder to fill in the gaps when sounds are not clearly heard. This increased effort strains cognitive resources used for memory, attention, and information processing. For instance, if a person struggles to hear, they may misinterpret information during neuropsychological tests, potentially leading to lower scores and a misdiagnosis of cognitive impairment.

What are the main connections between hearing loss and cognitive decline?

Several factors link hearing loss and cognitive decline. First, hearing loss can accelerate brain shrinkage, particularly in areas related to hearing and memory. Second, difficulty hearing can lead to social isolation, which is a known risk factor for cognitive decline. Finally, the brain has to work harder to process sounds when someone experiences hearing loss, leaving fewer resources for other cognitive tasks.

Why are routine hearing screenings important in the context of cognitive assessments?

Routine hearing screenings are important because neuropsychologists are not always accurate in estimating their clients' hearing status. The study revealed that a significant number of participants had at least mild hearing loss, underscoring the need for these screenings in cognitive assessments. Detecting hearing loss early can help differentiate between hearing-related difficulties and actual cognitive decline, thus influencing appropriate interventions and recommendations.

What are the implications of the connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline?

The primary implication is the potential for misdiagnosis and inaccurate assessment of cognitive abilities. When clients have hearing loss, they might misinterpret information during neuropsychological tests, which impacts the results and can lead to the appearance of cognitive impairment. Addressing hearing loss early is crucial to ensure the accuracy of cognitive assessments and to provide appropriate support and interventions.

What can be done to protect cognitive well-being when hearing loss is a factor?

Addressing hearing loss can positively impact cognitive well-being. The study showed that neuropsychologists used information about their clients' hearing status to make recommendations for audiologic services and educate clients and family members about hearing loss and communication strategies. Taking proactive steps, such as regular hearing check-ups and using hearing aids, is crucial to preserve cognitive function.