Why treating hearing loss in people with dementia matters

For people living with dementia, communication and connection are at the heart of quality of life. But when hearing loss is also present, which is very common in older adults, those connections can become even harder to maintain.

This article isn’t about preventing dementia. Instead, it’s about treating hearing loss in people with dementia and recognising how better hearing can make life easier, reduce stress, and improve everyday engagement for people who already live with dementia.

Read our dementia and hearing loss article if you want to know if the two are linked.

Why hearing loss and dementia often overlap

Hearing loss is extremely common as we get older.

In fact, around 70% of Australians over 70 experience some level of hearing difficulty.

Dementia is also more likely to occur later in life. That means many people are managing both conditions at the same time.

Unfortunately, hearing loss often goes unnoticed or untreated, especially when dementia is the main diagnosis.

Symptoms like withdrawal, confusion, or difficulty following conversation can be mistakenly attributed to dementia, when in fact hearing difficulties could be contributing to those symptoms.

The impact of untreated hearing loss on dementia care

When hearing problems aren’t addressed, people with dementia may experience:

• Greater confusion: Background noise becomes overwhelming, and missed words add to disorientation.
• Increased frustration or stress: Difficulty following conversations can lead to irritability.
• Withdrawal and isolation: It may feel easier to disengage than to struggle through communication.
• Reduced participation in activities: Group conversations, music, or social gatherings may feel inaccessible.

These challenges can make dementia symptoms feel worse than they are, reducing quality of life for both the individual and their carers.

Treating hearing loss in people with dementia

The good news is that treating hearing loss can help.

Improved quality of life

A major European study found that providing hearing and vision support to people with dementia significantly improved their short-term quality of life. With clearer sound and better communication tools, participants felt more confident and engaged.

Reduced loneliness and stress

A multinational study on older adults, including those aged 80 or older, who received cochlear implants showed improvements in well-being, independence, and reduced. These outcomes are just as relevant for those living with dementia.

Less “Cognitive Strain”

Hearing clearly reduces the mental energy required to understand speech. For people with dementia, this means less stress on memory and thinking, freeing up cognitive resources for conversation, socialising, and daily activities.

What this means for families and carers of people with dementia

If you are supporting a loved one with dementia, consider hearing checks as part of their care plan. Simple interventions like hearing aids, assistive listening devices, or even communication strategies in quieter spaces can make a real difference.

• Find out if their hearing has been tested recently.
• Talk to an audiologist about suitable options, even if dementia is advanced.
• Use visual cues and supportive communication techniques alongside hearing technology.

Make each day easier

Hearing loss and dementia are both challenging conditions, but together they can create additional barriers to connection and wellbeing.

By identifying and treating hearing loss in people living with dementia, we can help reduce confusion, improve communication, and enhance quality of life.

As we stressed at the beginning, this isn’t about curing or preventing dementia. But with hearing intervention we can help make each day easier, clearer, and more connected for the people who matter most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does treating hearing loss in people with dementia reverse it?

No. Treating hearing loss does not reverse dementia. But it can make communication easier, help reduce confusion, and improve the quality of life for people living with dementia.

Is hearing care still useful if someone’s dementia is advanced?

Yes. Even in advanced stages, clearer sound and supportive listening strategies can reduce stress and help with comfort and connection. Simple steps like ensuring hearing aids are working, reducing background noise, or using assistive listening devices can make a real difference.

What kinds of hearing support work best for people with dementia?

It depends on the individual. Hearing aids are very common, but other options include assistive listening devices, cochlear implants (for those with severe hearing loss), and environmental adjustments such reducing other noise and using clear visual cues. Our ACE Your Hearing program helps teach communication skills that can make a real difference to people with hearing loss.

Should hearing checks be part of dementia care?

Absolutely. Because hearing difficulties are often mistaken for dementia symptoms, regular hearing checks are an important part of overall care. Identifying hearing loss early helps ensure people don’t miss out on treatment and advice that can improve their daily life.

How does better hearing help with memory and thinking?

When hearing is clearer, the brain doesn’t have to work as hard to decode sound. This frees up mental energy for memory, attention, and conversation. For people with dementia, this can ease the cognitive strain and support vital social engagement.

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BHA Brisbane is the peak body for people hard of hearing in Queensland. Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter for insights and news about hearing loss. Fill out the form below and remember, you can unsubscribe at any time.