OSF Audiologist Warns Hearing Loss in 40s Raises Dementia Risk Later
Updated
Updated · WLUC · Jun 15
OSF Audiologist Warns Hearing Loss in 40s Raises Dementia Risk Later
1 articles · Updated · WLUC · Jun 15
Summary
Untreated hearing loss can increase the likelihood of developing dementia, OSF Healthcare audiologist Emily Cooper said, urging people to get tested before age 65.
Hearing loss often develops gradually, and Cooper said even mild loss in people in their 40s and 50s has been linked in research to dementia later in life.
Social withdrawal is one suspected pathway: as hearing worsens, people may pull back from events and activities, which can further raise dementia risk.
Family members or loved ones may spot early symptoms first, making their encouragement to seek a hearing test important for earlier treatment and better aging outcomes.