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Dementia Action Week: Understanding the connection between hearing loss and dementia
2026-09-21
It’s Dementia Action Week this September 21-27, and a timely reminder that maintaining hearing health is an important part of healthy ageing.
Dementia affects 57 million people worldwide and is one of the most significant health challenges associated with ageing.1 While there is currently no cure for dementia, growing evidence suggests there are steps people can take to help reduce their risk and maintain their health and wellbeing as they age. One area receiving increased attention is hearing health.
What research tells us about hearing health and dementia risk
Hearing loss is common as we age, yet many people are unaware of the potential impact it can have beyond communication. Research has shown that hearing loss is associated with a 32% higher risk of developing dementia.2
When hearing becomes more difficult, people may gradually withdraw from conversations, social gatherings and activities they once enjoyed. For some people, gradual hearing loss can make communication more difficult and may contribute to reduced social participation and increased listening effort, both of which have been linked to cognitive decline.3
What the latest WHO guidance says
In July 2026, the World Health Organisation (WHO) released updated guidelines on reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The guidelines concluded that up to 45% of dementia risk could potentially be prevented or delayed by addressing modifiable risk factors throughout life.4
The WHO highlights several factors that may help reduce dementia risk, including:
- Addressing hearing loss when identified
- Staying physically active
- Maintaining social connections and engagement
- Managing conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes
- Avoiding smoking
- Reducing harmful alcohol consumption
- Following a healthy diet
Importantly, the updated guidance recognises hearing loss as one of several modifiable risk factors that should be addressed as part of a broader approach to healthy ageing.
Staying connected matters
While hearing loss doesn’t mean a person will develop dementia, taking action when changes in hearing are noticed, can help people remain connected and engaged in everyday life.
For hearing aid users, regularly wearing your hearing aids, keeping up with check-up appointments and ensuring your devices are functioning well can help support effective communication and participation in daily activities.
Looking after your hearing
Dementia Action Week provides an opportunity to reflect on the factors that contribute to healthy ageing and ongoing wellbeing. Looking after your hearing is an important part of maintaining communication, social connection and quality of life.
1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia
2.Readman, M. R. et al. (2025) ‘Hearing loss as a risk factor for dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis from a global perspective’, Aging & Mental Health, 29(10), pp. 1831–1844. doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2025.2515180 (accessed on 21/10/25)
3. Ruan-Ching Yu, Menelaos Pavlou, Anne G M Schilder, Doris-Eva Bamiou, Glyn Lewis, Frank Robert Lin, Gill Livingston, Danielle Proctor, Rumana Omar, Sergi G Costafreda, ‘Early detection and management of hearing loss to reduce dementia risk in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: findings from the treating auditory impairment and cognition trial (TACT)’, Age and Ageing, Volume 54, Issue 1, January 2025, afaf004, doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afaf004 (accessed on 21/10/25)
4. New WHO guidelines: up to 45% of dementia risk could be prevented or delayed