e-Bulletin July 2026
IN THE MEDIA |
Effective Hearing Aid Use Linked to Lower Dementia Risk
Quality Hearing Rehabilitation Makes the Difference
A new study co-authored by Professor Chen Shanquan, Assistant Professor at our School, has found that the effective use of hearing aids may help lower the risk of dementia in older adults with hearing loss.
Analysing data from over 61,000 adults across 33 countries, the research team discovered that hearing aid users had a 9% lower risk of probable dementia compared to non-users. More importantly, those who experienced good hearing improvement from their devices saw a 14% lower risk, while those with poor improvement showed no significant benefit.
Hearing loss affects about 30% of people over 65 and is a leading modifiable risk factor for dementia. According to the 2024 Lancet Commission, it accounts for roughly 7% of dementia cases worldwide. Professor Chen emphasised that the benefit depends on whether the device meaningfully improves daily hearing, not just wearing one.
The study also found that women, unmarried individuals, and those with lower education levels may benefit the most. The research team is now calling for better integration of hearing care into dementia prevention and healthy ageing strategies, especially in middle-income countries where access to affordable hearing aids remains limited.
The findings have now been published in Cell Reports Medicine. Click here to view the publication.
