Hearing loss, when combined with feelings of loneliness, can significantly increase the risk of dementia among older adults, according to a large-scale European study published in Communications Psychology.
Conducted by researchers from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) in Switzerland, the study found that hearing loss and dementia risk are closely linked, especially when emotional loneliness is also present, even if individuals are not physically isolated from others.
“We found that people who were not socially isolated but who felt lonely saw their cognitive decline accelerate when they were deaf,” said Matthias Kliegel, professor at the Cognitive Ageing Laboratory at UNIGE.
Study Analyzed 33,000 Older Adults Across 12 Countries
The research examined data from over 33,000 elderly individuals across 12 European nations, offering one of the most comprehensive looks into how hearing impairment and emotional health interact to affect memory and cognitive function.
The study identified three key profiles among participants:
- Socially isolated and lonely
- Not socially isolated but still feel lonely
- Socially isolated, but do not feel lonely
Among these, the second group—those who felt lonely despite social integration—showed the highest vulnerability to cognitive decline when suffering from hearing loss.
Implications For India’s Ageing Population
Although the study focused on Europe, its findings have implications for India’s rapidly ageing population, where awareness and access to hearing care remain limited.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 25% of people above 60 suffer from disabling hearing loss. This figure is projected to increase, with 2.5 billion people globally expected to experience some form of hearing impairment by 2050.
“These individuals are already socially integrated, so it’s a matter of removing a sensory barrier in order to reinforce their engagement and protect their cognitive health,” said Charikleia Lampraki, postdoctoral researcher at UNIGE’s Lifespan Lab.
Early Interventions Can Prevent Cognitive Decline
The research underscores the urgent need for early hearing care and emotional support to delay or prevent the onset of dementia. Simple interventions—such as using hearing aids—can help elderly individuals stay socially and cognitively engaged.
In India, where joint family systems are still prevalent but urban isolation is on the rise, the intersection of hearing loss and dementia risk could pose a significant public health challenge in the years to come.
Public health experts suggest integrating hearing tests into routine geriatric assessments and increasing accessibility to affordable hearing aids and counselling services.
As the population ages, ensuring that seniors remain not only socially connected but also emotionally fulfilled and sensorily supported will be key to safeguarding their cognitive health.
–Input IANS
