This World Alzheimer’s Month Schedule a Hearing Test

September is World Alzheimer’s Month. It is a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about dementia and encouraging action to support brain health. Each year, Alzheimer’s Disease International calls on individuals, families, and communities to join together and challenge the stigma around dementia.This September, you can take a powerful step for your own well-being. The best way to protect both memory and communication is to schedule a hearing test.

Hearing loss is more than an inconvenience of aging. It is now recognized as the single largest modifiable risk factor for dementia in midlife. That means addressing your hearing is one of the most effective ways to protect your brain.

The Overlap Between Hearing Loss And Dementia

Hearing and memory are deeply connected. A growing body of research shows that people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are much more likely to have hearing loss.

A JAMA Network Open study on hearing loss and dementia found that nearly 80% of people with dementia experience hearing loss. Among adults over age 85, that number increases to 94%. Yet only 22% of them use hearing aids.

This means that millions of people live with both dementia and untreated hearing loss. The missed opportunity is enormous. Treating hearing loss can restore daily conversations, reduce frustration, and possibly slow the course of decline.

Hearing Loss And Hearing Aid Use In Dementia

This chart makes this disparity easy to see:

Category	Percentage of People Affected
Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias with Hearing Loss	80%
Age 85+ with Dementia and Hearing Loss	94%
People with Dementia Using Hearing Aids	22%

What this means: The vast majority of people with dementia live with untreated hearing loss. Regular testing and early use of hearing aids can bridge this gap.

Why Treating Hearing Loss Matters For Brain Health

When you strain to hear, your brain must work harder. This extra effort diverts energy away from memory, problem-solving, and comprehension. Over time, the constant struggle contributes to fatigue, withdrawal from conversations, and loss of stimulation.

The NIH summary of the ACHIEVE trial confirmed this risk. In older adults at higher risk for dementia, hearing aids cut the rate of cognitive decline by almost half over three years.

For families, this means addressing hearing loss is not only about clearer conversations today. It is about protecting long-term brain health.

Three Ways Hearing Loss And Dementia Are Linked

Scientists explain the hearing–memory connection using three models: cause, catalyst, and consequence. Each model gives families a reason to act.

Hearing Loss As A Cause

Untreated hearing loss can change how the brain processes sound. Brain imaging shows that reduced input shrinks auditory areas, which then disrupts memory networks. Some researchers believe this process may encourage the spread of harmful proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Practical takeaway: Regular hearing tests can catch changes early and keep the brain stimulated through treatment.

Hearing Loss As A Catalyst

Even without direct brain changes, hearing loss makes daily life harder. People with hearing problems often avoid social gatherings. They become less engaged, which reduces cognitive stimulation. Listening also consumes more mental energy, leaving less available for memory and attention.

Practical takeaway: Using hearing aids or assistive devices reduces listening effort and supports ongoing engagement in meaningful activities.

Hearing Changes As A Consequence

Sometimes dementia first appears through changes in how the brain processes sound. People may still “hear” tones but cannot follow speech, especially in noisy environments. This kind of central auditory change can signal early cognitive decline.

Practical takeaway: Report new difficulties with speech-in-noise understanding, even if you pass a basic hearing screen. These clues can help providers spot problems earlier.

Dementia Risk Increases With Hearing Loss

The second chart summarizes large studies showing how dementia risk rises with hearing loss. Hazard ratios above 1.0 indicate increased risk.

Study	Hazard Ratio Per 10 dB Hearing Loss
Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (2011)	1.27
Health ABC Study (2017)	1.14
Health ABC Study (2019)	1.25
Health ABC Study (2022)	1.99
Mayo Clinic Study of Aging (2022)	0.99
Denmark Study (2024)	1.07
ARIC Study (2025)	1.67

What this means: Most studies show that every additional 10 dB of hearing loss raises dementia risk. Some studies suggest nearly double the risk.

The Benefits Of Early Testing

Hearing loss often develops slowly, and people adjust without realizing it. Unfortunately, waiting too long makes treatment harder and increases risk. Early testing offers benefits you cannot replace later:

• Establishes a baseline for future comparisons.

• Allows earlier fittings, which help the brain adapt more easily.

• Keeps you active in conversations and social life.

• Reveals medical issues, such as earwax or infection, that may mimic hearing loss.

Conclusion: Do not wait until hearing problems feel “bad enough.” Baseline testing now sets you up for long-term success.

What To Expect During A Hearing Test

Many people feel nervous about what happens during a test. The process is straightforward and comfortable.

Here is what usually happens:

• Your provider reviews your health history and listening goals.

• They check your ears for wax, infection, or blockages.

• Pure-tone audiometry measures how soft a sound you can hear.

• Speech testing checks your understanding in both quiet and noisy situations.

• Results are explained in clear, simple language.

To prepare, bring a list of questions. You can use this guide to questions for your hearing consultation.

Why Fitting Quality Matters

Even the best device will not work if it is not fitted correctly. Real Ear Measurement ensures the sound entering your ear matches your exact prescription.

This procedure verifies that hearing aids deliver the amplification you need in real-world conditions. It makes fittings more accurate and increases satisfaction.

Are Earbuds Enough?

Some people ask whether consumer earbuds can help with hearing loss. The answer is no. Earbuds amplify sound but lack the advanced technology required for speech clarity in noisy environments. They also cannot be customized to your specific hearing profile.

For a full explanation, read our comparison of AirPods versus prescription hearing aids.

Addressing Severe Hearing Loss

Not all hearing loss is the same. Severe loss requires more advanced technology and careful fitting. Specialized hearing aids offer stronger amplification, better speech processing, and features like telecoils or Bluetooth streaming.

For guidance, explore our resource on choosing the best hearing aids for severe hearing loss.

Finding The Right Hearing Care Provider

Choosing the right professional matters as much as choosing the right device. Look for someone who listens to your goals, explains clearly, and offers ongoing support.

See our advice on finding the best hearing care provider near you. This resource can help you identify the qualities that make a strong partner in your hearing journey.

Frequently Asked And Honestly Answered

How often should I schedule a hearing test?
Adults over 50 should have annual tests. If you already have loss, more frequent checks may be needed.

Do hearing aids really help protect memory?
Yes. In the ACHIEVE trial, hearing aids reduced decline by nearly 50% in high-risk older adults.

Does Medicare cover my devices?
Coverage is limited and varies. Review our Medicare coverage guide for clarity.

Take The Next Step With Stanford Hearing

World Alzheimer’s Month is about awareness and action. You can make a difference for yourself and your loved ones by scheduling a test today.

Contact Stanford Hearing to schedule your hearing test. Our caring team will guide you through the process and help you protect both hearing and memory.