How are hearing loss and dementia related?

Studies suggest that hearing loss causes brain changes that raise the risk for dementia. Brain shrinkage — When the “hearing” section of the brain grows inactive, it results in tissue loss and changes in brain structure—creating the first link between hearing loss and Alzheimer’s disease.

Is hearing loss a symptom of dementia?

There is a strong link between hearing loss and dementia. According to one study, people with mild hearing loss are two times as likely to develop dementia, and this increases to three times for those with moderate hearing loss (Lin et al 2011).

Does earwax cause dementia?

Earwax buildup can also lead to surprising outcomes in mood and functioning of the brain itself. As Healthline reported earlier this year, studies have linked hearing loss with cognitive decline and dementia — which can be exacerbated by cerumen impaction.

What does the color of your earwax mean?

Normal earwax colors Dark brown or black colored earwax is typically older, so its color comes from the dirt and bacteria it has trapped. Adults tend to have darker, harder earwax. Dark brown earwax that is tinged with red may signal a bleeding injury. Light brown, orange or yellow earwax is healthy and normal.

Why hearing loss may raise your risk of dementia?

People with hearing loss tend to feel isolated,since it’s hard to join in conversations or be social with others when you can’t hear.

Your brain has to work harder to process sound if you don’t hear well.

If your ears can no longer pick up on as many sounds,your hearing nerves will send fewer signals to your brain.

What is the correlation between hearing loss and dementia?

Correlation Between Hearing Loss And Dementia. Another theory in circulation claims that hearing loss and dementia do not have such an underlying common cause, but rather the hearing loss causes patients to become more socially isolated. Social isolation has been identified as a risk factor for developing dementia.

How does dementia affect hearing loss?

Hearing loss may be an early sign of dementia. The risk of dementia appears to rise as hearing declines. Older people with mild hearing impairment — those who have difficulty following a conversation in a crowded restaurant, say — were nearly twice as likely as those with normal hearing to develop dementia, the study found.

Can poor hearing cause dementia?

Study Shows Risk of Dementia May Increase as Hearing Loss Gets Worse. From the WebMD Archives. Feb. 14, 2011 — Older adults who experience hearing loss may be at increased risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. And the risk of dementia likely increases as hearing loss worsens.