Untreated Hearing Loss: The Silent Catalyst for Dementia

Most people think of hearing loss as a simple inconvenience, turning up the TV, asking people to repeat themselves, or avoiding noisy restaurants. But mounting research has revealed a far more serious truth: untreated hearing loss is a major risk factor for dementia.

In fact, hearing loss is the #1 most modifiable, treatable risk factor for reducing the risk of cognitive decline. Studies show that even mild hearing loss can double your risk of developing dementia. With moderate hearing loss, that risk triples, and severe hearing loss puts you at five times greater risk of dementia compared to those with normal hearing.

This isn’t about just "missing words". It’s about what happens to the brain when it no longer receives clear, consistent auditory input. The ears and the brain work together as part of a complex auditory-cognitive system, and when sound input is compromised, the brain is forced to work harder, reassigning resources away from memory, attention, and thinking.

The good news? Research shows that early auditory treatment can reduce the risk of cognitive decline by up to 50%. That’s why hearing health is no longer just about hearing, it’s about brain health.

At Lake Forest Hearing, we take a biologic, whole-system approach to hearing care. Our work goes beyond simply fitting hearing aids. We assess how your ears, nerves, and brain work together and provide tools to strengthen and train your auditory system.

We also offer a quick, non-invasive auditory test that research has identified as a potential auditory biomarker of dementia. This test helps us detect early changes in how the brain processes sound, often before memory loss becomes noticeable.

Protect your hearing. Protect your brain.
If you or a loved one has untreated hearing loss, don’t wait. Schedule your auditory exam today and learn how early intervention could change the course of your cognitive health.

Lake Forest Hearing Professionals/DUET Hearing Preservation
Lake Forest - Northfield - Chicago
(847) 295-1185 www.lakeforesthearing.com