The US trial included 977 older adults (54% women) with hearing loss. Half received hearing aids and audiologist support, the other half health education. Over three years, cognitive change did not differ across the whole group.
Who it may help
However, the effect differed between groups of participants. For older people with more dementia risk factors, the hearing intervention appeared more beneficial. The authors conclude that improving hearing may slow cognitive change in people at higher risk.
What this means for you
- Get your hearing checked if you often ask people to repeat themselves.
- Hearing aids improve communication, which also matters for the brain.
- Encourage older relatives to get tested too.
Sources
- Lin FR, Pike JR, Albert MS et al. Hearing intervention versus health education control to reduce cognitive decline in older adults with hearing loss in the USA (ACHIEVE): a multicentre, randomised controlled trial. The Lancet. 2023;402(10404):786–797. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01406-X