Hearing Loss & Tinnitus - Reducing the Risk of Cognitive Decline - Poster Presentation

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Damian

Background: Hearing loss and tinnitus are potentially modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia. Untreated hearing loss may drive social isolation, increased cognitive load, and neural atrophy, while tinnitus is linked to auditory dysfunction and higher neurologic and cognitive-decline risk in adults over 60. Method: Cognitive function was evaluated using Cognivue Thrive technology with assessments pre- and post-treatment (day 0, 30 days, 12 months) in mid-life participants receiving prescription hearing aids. Results: Significant improvements in memory, executive function, and visuospatial memory were found at 30 days and 12 months, suggesting auditory stimulation supports neural plasticity and cognitive resilience. Conclusions: Early auditory intervention may help reduce dementia risk through patient education and timely care.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Background

Hearing loss and dementia risk

Tinnitus and neurologic risk

Method

Cognitive assessment schedule

Treatment and outcome measures

Results

Memory and executive function improvements

Conclusions

Neural plasticity and dementia prevention

DOI: 10. 1002/alz70856_105797 BIOMARKERS POSTER PRESENTATION BIOMARKERS (NON-NEUROIMAGING) Hearing Loss &Tinnitus – Reducing the Risk of Cognitive Decline Keith N Darrow Worcester State University, Worcester, MA, USA Correspondence Keith N Darrow, Worcester State University, Worcester, MA, USA. Email: [kdarrow@worcester.edu](kdarrow@worcester.edu) Abstract Background: Hearing loss and tinnitus are potentially modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia1,2,3 . Research indicates that untreated hearing loss contributes to social isolation4 , increased cognitive load5 , and neural atrophy6—key drivers of cognitive impairment7,8 . Similarly, tinnitus, often linked to auditory neuropathy and dysfunction9 , has been associated with an increased risk of neurologic disorders10 , including Parkinson’s and cognitive decline, particularly in adults over 6011. While hearing loss treatment has been suggested to slow cognitive decline12,13 , the underlying mechanisms remain unclear and likely multifactorial. Emerging evidence suggests that early intervention for hearing loss and tinnitus may preserve cognitive resources14,15 . Method: Cognitive function was assessed using F. D.A. cleared Cognivue Thrive technology. Subjects were fifty mid-life subjects and recordings were made preand post-treatment (day 0, 30 days, and 12 months). Measures included memory, executive function, visuospatial memory, processing speed, and reaction time. Participants received prescription hearing aid treatment, and cognitive assessments were conducted at each data collection point. Results: Significant improvements in memory, executive function, and visuospatial memory were observed at both the 30-day and 12-month follow-up assessments. These findings suggest that auditory stimulation and intervention may enhance cognitive resilience by mitigating the effects of auditory deprivation on neural function. Conclusions: This study highlights the neurophysiological mechanisms driving cognitive improvements following hearing aid treatment, emphasizing the role of auditory stimulation in neural plasticity and cognitive resilience. By integrating clinical findings with real-world outcomes, this research presentsa compelling case for hearing healthcare as a critical strategy in global dementia prevention. Attendees will gain insight into the brain-hearing connection, the cognitive benefits of prescription hearing aid treatment, and actionable strategies for reducing dementia risk through patient education and early intervention. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. © 2025 The Alzheimer’s Association. Alzheimer’s & Dementia published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Alzheimer’s Association. Alzheimer’s Dement. 2025;21(Suppl. 2):e105797. [https://doi.org/10.1002/alz70856_105797](https://doi.org/10.1002/alz70856_105797) wi[leyonlinelibrary.com/journal/alz](leyonlinelibrary.com/journal/alz) 1of1

FAQs

What do the study background findings suggest about hearing loss and cognitive decline?

The study background links untreated hearing loss to social isolation, increased cognitive load, and neural atrophy, which are key drivers of cognitive impairment and dementia risk.

How was cognitive function assessed in this poster presentation?

Cognitive function was assessed using F.D.A. cleared Cognivue Thrive technology, with measurements including memory, executive function, visuospatial memory, processing speed, and reaction time.

What were the main cognitive results after prescription hearing aid treatment?

Significant improvements were observed in memory, executive function, and visuospatial memory at both the 30-day and 12-month follow-ups, indicating cognitive resilience supported by auditory stimulation.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Damian