Cognitive health | OTC ePortal

Link between hearing loss and brain health

Poor auditory signal due to hearing loss has an effect on brain health

Brain constantly works to process the poor signals
Greater brain load for performing usual daily activities and cognitive tasks
Causes changes in brain structure and function that can lead to dementia
- Confirmed by neuroimaging study
Also hearing loss and dementia both increase with risks like age, vascular disease

Brain health and early signs of decreased functioning

Hearing loss can cause cognitive (brain) health decline. This decline can be slowed by wearing hearing aids

Cognitive (brain) health is essential for daily mental skills

Hearing aids slow down cognitive health decline in those with risk of dementia

In the recent ACHIEVE study (Lin et al. Lancet, 2023) use of hearing aids slowed down loss of thinking and memory abilities by 48% over 3 years
Daily wear time of 6-7 hours is important for improvement

Maintain good cognitive health by managing the known risks

Lifestyle choices support brain health and improve cognition

The US POINTER study (Baker et al., JAMA, 2025) showed that lifestyle interventions of combining physical activity, improving nutrition, cognitive and social challenge, and health monitoring improved cognition
Follow POINTER Brain Health recipe
- Physical exercise: 30–35 minutes of moderate-to-intense aerobic activity four times a week, plus strength and flexibility exercises twice a week.
- Cognitive exercise: Computer-based brain training program three times a week for 30 minutes, plus regular engagement in other intellectually challenging and social activities
- Nutrition: MIND diet, with dark leafy greens, berries, nuts, whole grains, olive oil and fish, and limits sugar and unhealthy fats
- Health monitoring: Regular check-ins on blood pressure, weight and lab results

Check the 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's and Dementia

Provided by Alzheimer's Association

Memory loss that disrupts daily life (forgetting recent events, important dates, repeating yourself)
Challenges in planning or solving problems (paying bills or cooking known recipes)
Difficulty completing familiar tasks (driving home, grocery list)
Confusion with time or place (losing track of events, dates, seasons)
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships (vision changes, balance problems)
New problems with words in speaking or writing (following or joining conversation)
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps (put things in unusual places, accuse others of stealing)
Poor judgement (more events of being scammed, not managing money, poor hygiene)
Withdrawal from work or social activities (from hobbies, social activities)
Changes in mood and personality (confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, anxious)

Cognitive training

Can improve cognitive skills and can help in maintaining cognitive health

Engage in meaningful activities

Many factors can influence aging including genetics which are not within control
But there are steps to help manage health with age
Even small changes in daily life can be helpful
Feeling of being happier and less depressed
Better preparation to cope
May be able to improve thinking abilities
Follow the tips shown above

Find the right balance

There are different limits to the amount of time to spend on social or other activities
Preferences can change with time
Start by adding one or two activities and then add more if desired
The activities should be fun and not stressful

Maintain daily activities for self-care

Be cautious of claims that playing certain computer and online games can improve your memory and thinking - check with your doctor

Check risks and get help

In addition to wearing hearing aids regularly, you can take steps to manage these risks

Monitor for 10 Early Signs and Symptoms and discuss with your doctor