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Hearing Loss and Memory: The Overlooked Link
Hearing loss and memory are connected in public health guidance. The 2024 Lancet Commission lists hearing loss among 14 modifiable dementia risk factors, and CDC says preventing or treating hearing loss may lower risk and that hearing aids may reduce it. A hearing check is a simple step.
Written by the Synaptril label deskUpdated · 4 min read
The link01
How are hearing loss and memory linked?
Hearing loss and memory are linked through risk. Hearing loss is one of 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia in the 2024 Lancet Commission report (Lancet Commission 2024, Dementia).
CDC lists preventing or treating hearing loss as a step that may lower dementia risk, and notes that hearing aids may reduce it (CDC, Reducing risk for dementia).
Our sources do not explain why. They also do not give trial numbers, so we do not quote any. For normal age changes, see memory and aging.
Risk factors02
Where does hearing loss rank among dementia risk factors?
Hearing loss is one of 14 factors the Lancet Commission names. Together they could account for about 45 percent of cases that might be prevented or delayed (Lancet Commission 2024, Dementia).
| Risk factor | First step |
|---|---|
| Hearing loss | Get a hearing check; ask about hearing aids (CDC, Reducing risk for dementia) |
| High blood pressure | Have it checked and managed (CDC, Reducing risk for dementia) |
| Physical inactivity | Aim for 150 minutes a week (HHS, Physical Activity Guidelines) |
| Diabetes | Prevent or manage it (CDC, Reducing risk for dementia) |
| Excess alcohol | Drink only in moderation (CDC, Reducing risk for dementia) |
The Lancet list has 14 items in all, including smoking, depression and social isolation (Lancet Commission 2024, Dementia).
Spot it03
How do you know if hearing is affecting your memory?
Ask yourself whether you miss words in noisy rooms or ask people to repeat themselves. A hearing check can sort out hearing from memory.
Missed words can look like forgetfulness. If you never heard the appointment time, you cannot recall it. A test helps tell the two apart. Memory problems that are new or worsening should also be seen by a doctor (MedlinePlus, Memory loss).
Notice the pattern
Is it worse in groups, on the phone or with background noise?
Book a hearing test
Ask your doctor for a referral if you are unsure where to go.
Ask about aids
CDC notes hearing aids may reduce dementia risk (CDC, Reducing risk for dementia).
Never stop or change a prescription because of hearing or memory worries. Sudden hearing loss, confusion or trouble speaking needs urgent care or 911.
Synaptril: from $49 a bottle30 capsules · 2, 3 or 6 bottles · free shipping on 3 or 6 · 60-day guarantee
See packsOur product04
Does Synaptril help with hearing loss and memory?
No. Synaptril makes no hearing claim, and a capsule cannot fix a hearing problem.
Its label lists 80 mg of magnesium and a 575 mg blend with no single amounts printed. No supplement has conclusive proof for preventing cognitive decline (NCCIH, Supplements and cognition). Spend effort on the checks CDC lists first. See also brain health habits.
When to go05
When should you book a hearing check?
Book one when you often miss words, turn the volume up, or others say you do.
A test is quick, and the result tells you whether to act on hearing or look at other causes of memory trouble.
FAQ06
Hearing and memory questions
Can untreated hearing loss cause memory loss?
Our sources show a link in risk, not a proven cause. The Lancet Commission lists hearing loss as a modifiable dementia risk factor, and CDC says treating it may lower dementia risk (Lancet Commission 2024, Dementia) (CDC, Reducing risk for dementia). See a doctor for either problem.
Do hearing aids lower dementia risk?
CDC notes that hearing aids may reduce dementia risk. The word is may, not will. Our sources give no trial numbers, so we do not quote them. A hearing test is the first step (CDC, Reducing risk for dementia).
How common is hearing loss as a dementia risk?
Our sources do not give a share for hearing alone. They say all 14 Lancet risk factors together could account for about 45 percent of cases that might be prevented or delayed (Lancet Commission 2024, Dementia).
Is forgetting what people said a sign of memory loss or poor hearing?
It could be either, or both. Missed words are hard to recall later. A hearing check can separate the two, and MedlinePlus advises seeing a provider when memory problems are new or worsening (MedlinePlus, Memory loss).
What is the first step if I think my hearing is fading?
Book a hearing test. CDC lists preventing or treating hearing loss among steps that may lower dementia risk (CDC, Reducing risk for dementia). Bring a list of your medicines too, since some can affect memory (MedlinePlus, Memory loss).
Do brain supplements protect hearing?
We found no source saying so. The Global Council on Brain Health recommends no supplement for brain health, apart from fixing a known deficiency (AARP GCBH, Brain health supplements). Check hearing and blood pressure instead.
Who wrote this07
Written and reviewed by
Pages built from the label, the sales page and linked NIH, FDA, CDC, FTC and peer-reviewed sources.
Last updated . See our editorial standards and how we check reviews. This website is run by Getsynaptril, a stocked U.S. Synaptril counter, not by the manufacturer or the distributor. We are paid when you buy through our order links.
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