Memory and Hearing Loss – Part 1

There has been a possible link between hearing loss and memory loss identified in older adults.

Conversation becomes difficult when a patient is experiencing hearing loss, a condition which is often met with denial by the patient.  The patient may not realize that this undiagnosed hearing loss is affecting their memory.

Many older adults experience some form of mild to moderate hearing loss as their bodies age and all senses diminish.  Those with normal hearing may not understand the effect hearing loss has on someone’s ability to effectively remember.

When cognitive functions in older people are diverted from memory to hearing, simple language functions can suffer.

Mild to moderate hearing loss is thought to expend so much cognitive effort that, often, the ability to access memory can diminish.

A study performed at Brandeis University has led to the thought that effects of hearing loss on memory function are not easily identified, especially in older adults.

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