By Tim Hague Sr., Founder, U-Turn PD & Dauda Sulaiman Dauda, MD, MChir, FAPH, PMDPro, Executive Director at U-Turn PD | October 2025

Living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) often means staying proactive about your health – not just movement, mobility, and other known non-motor manifestations, but also thinking, memory, and communication. A new study published in the Neurology Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA Neurology) highlights an important link between hearing loss (HL), hearing aid use, and the risk of developing dementia.

Hearing Loss, Parkinson’s Disease, and Dementia: A Known Connection

HL naturally increases with age and is common among people over 60, including many with PD. Earlier studies have shown that untreated HL is a significant risk factor for dementia, which means it could increase the chances of developing challenges with memory and thinking over time. Others have shown that HL also appears to be an independent risk factor for later development of PD, with the use of hearing aids reducing this risk. This study offers even more hopeful news – using hearing aids may help protect the brain from dementia, especially when HL is addressed early.

What the Study Found

Researchers followed nearly 3,000 older adults for up to 20 years, comparing those with HL who used hearing aids to those with HL who did not use hearing aids, analyzing their risk of developing dementia. They discovered that:

• People under 70 who had HL and used hearing aids had a 61% lower risk of developing dementia compared with those with HL who didn’t use hearing aids.
• Even people with HL who didn’t yet need hearing aids but maintained good hearing health showed a 29% lower risk of dementia.
• For people older than 70 years, hearing aid use did not show a clear connection with dementia risk reduction.

Why This Matters for People with Parkinson’s

Cognitive changes such as memory lapses, slowed thinking, or difficulty concentrating can sometimes accompany PD. Many people living with PD (PwP) experience hearing difficulties beyond normal age-related loss, including problems processing sounds. This can add another layer of challenge, making conversations harder and increasing feelings of isolation. Furthermore, untreated HL in PD may worsen cognitive impairment already associated with the disease. Addressing HL early not only improves daily communication but may also protect long-term brain health.

The Power of Early Intervention

The study suggests that timing matters. Getting your hearing checked in your 50s or 60s, and using hearing aids if needed, could make a difference for brain health years down the road. Unfortunately, only about 1 in 6 people with moderate to severe HL use hearing aids. Overcoming stigma, cost, or uncertainty about hearing aids could be a vital step toward protecting your future.

Practical Steps You Can Take

Here are some steps for PwP to consider:

• Get Regular Hearing Assessments: Have hearing tested regularly, especially if you are experiencing difficulty following conversations or hearing clearly. Audiologists can assess for HL and central auditory processing issues common in PD.
• Consider Hearing Aids Early: Don’t wait until HL severely affects your life. Using hearing aids early, shortly after HL is detected and ideally before age 70, can reduce dementia risk and improve communication. Modern hearing aids often have rechargeable batteries and smartphone controls, making them easier to manage.
• Use Assistive Listening Devices: Tools like amplified telephones, TV listening devices, and personal FM systems can help in challenging listening environments.
• Stay socially engaged and Optimize Communication Environments: Conversation and connection are brain-protective. Encourage family and friends to speak clearly, face the listener, reduce background noise, and maintain a reasonable speaking distance.
• Talk With Your Healthcare Team: Share your hearing concerns with neurologists, therapists, and audiologists who understand Parkinson’s-specific challenges. They can tailor management plans, including therapy adaptations using auditory cues.

A Takeaway of Hope

Managing PD is about more than treating symptoms – it’s about protecting your whole self. Addressing HL early and considering hearing aids may be one more way to support your brain, your memory, and your independence in the years ahead.

References:

1. Francis L, Seshadri S, Dillard LK, et al. Self-Reported Hearing Aid Use and Risk of Incident Dementia. JAMA Neurol. Published online August 18, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2025.2713
2. Cantuaria ML, Pedersen ER, Waldorff FB, et al. Hearing Loss, Hearing Aid Use, and Risk of Dementia in Older Adults. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2024;150(2):157–164. doi:10.1001/jamaoto.2023.3509
3. Neilson LE, Reavis KM, Wiedrick J, Scott GD. Hearing Loss, Incident Parkinson Disease, and Treatment With Hearing Aids. JAMA Neurol. 2024;81(12):1295–1303. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2024.3568

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