What Physicians Should Know
Hearing Loss Identified as a
Leading Modifiable Risk Factor
for Dementia
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AARP, in partnership with the University of Washington, has released one of the most detailed analyses to date on modifiable dementia risk factors across the United States. By analyzing data from millions of Americans and ranking 12 modifiable risks by the proportion of preventable cases they contribute to, this study provides unusual clarity for physicians focused on prevention.
The results are striking. Of all modifiable risk factors, the top three contributors to preventable dementia cases are:
1. High blood sugar
With 37 million Americans living with diabetes and an estimated 96 million with prediabetes, blood sugar dysregulation remains the single largest modifiable driver of dementia risk.
2. Hearing loss
Approximately 48 million Americans live with hearing loss. Even mild untreated hearing loss increases dementia risk, while moderate untreated loss has been associated with double the risk. Yet only about 20 percent of people who would benefit from hearing aids currently use them. These findings highlight the cognitive implications of hearing loss and the value of early intervention.
3. Lower education levels
Interpreted as reduced cognitive reserve, this reflects broader societal challenges rather than individual clinical action.
The remaining nine factors include hypertension, obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, depression, social isolation, excessive alcohol intake, air pollution, and traumatic brain injury.
What sets this research apart is its actionable clarity. Previous work indicated that up to 45 percent of dementia cases might be preventable but did not provide direction on which risks should be prioritized. This analysis finally provides that guidance.
For hearing loss in particular, the implications are significant. Persistent listening effort, reduced auditory stimulation, and social withdrawal all place additional strain on the brain. Addressing hearing loss early may help preserve cognitive function, communication ability, and long-term quality of life.
The Bottom Line
Routine hearing checks should be considered a central component of dementia-prevention strategies, particularly for adults over 55 or anyone reporting communication difficulties. Early referrals help ensure effective diagnosis and management.
If any of your patients describe gradual communication changes, cognitive fatigue, or concerns about hearing, we are here to support you with comprehensive evaluation and evidence-based care.
Written by Dr. Ana Anzola, Principle of Hearing Doctors
Lessons From WHO
Why Hearing Care Should Be a Standard Part of General Health Checks
The latest fact sheet from the World Health Organization (WHO) on deafness and hearing loss, published February 2025, highlights a growing global concern. Hearing loss affects billions worldwide and is projected to rise sharply in the coming decades. Yet hearing remains under-screened and under-addressed in routine general healthcare, despite its wide-reaching impact on cognitive, emotional, and social well-being.
Key WHO findings include:
More than 1.5 billion people worldwide live with some degree of hearing loss
Approximately 430 million people currently have disabling hearing loss and require rehabilitation services
By 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people may experience hearing loss, with over 700 million requiring hearing care
The global cost of unaddressed hearing loss is estimated to exceed US$980 billion each year.
Despite these numbers, most adults receive hearing checks far less frequently than they receive vision, cardiovascular, or metabolic screenings. This gap persists even though hearing loss is closely linked to cognitive decline, mental health challenges, falls, social isolation, and reduced communication accuracy during medical consultations.
What This Means for Community Physicians
Integrating hearing screening into routine health checks provides substantial clinical value. Simple questions about difficulty hearing in noise or frequent requests for repetition can help identify early, unrecognized issues. When patients are referred early for comprehensive hearing evaluation, intervention is more successful and long-term outcomes improve.
Community-based hearing care offers accessible, personalized evaluation and ongoing management. With shorter wait times, continuity of care, and locally rooted support, patients are far more likely to adhere to treatment plans and follow-up recommendations.
The Simple Ask
When conducting general health checks, especially with patients over 50 or those reporting communication concerns, consider incorporating a brief hearing screening question. A referral for a full hearing evaluation may provide significant benefits for long-term cognitive, emotional, and social health.
We are here to support you and your patients with evidence-aligned hearing care designed to improve outcomes across all stages of life.
Reference Sources
AARP. The Big Risk Factors for Dementia to Avoid. AARP, 2025.
https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/modifiable-risk-factors-of-dementia/
World Health Organization
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/deafness-and-hearing-loss
Who are Hearing Doctors?
Hearing Doctors has helped tens of thousands of local families to reconnect with their loved ones through better hearing since 2009 and has developed a reputation for defining and implementing the gold standard of community-focused hearing healthcare.
If you or a loved one are looking for a team of hearing experts to help you achieve better hearing, you're in the right place, and we look forward to guiding you on your journey.
