How hearing and vision loss affect your brain health

Have you ever turned up the TV a little louder or squinted to read the fine print, chalking it up to getting older? These changes in your hearing and vision might seem like minor annoyances, but did you know they could also have a surprising link to your brain health? Scientists have found a strong connection between hearing and vision loss and cognitive health.

Let’s explore how these sensory declines affect your brain and what you can do to protect your cognitive health as you age. 

The link between sensory loss and cognitive health

Your eyes and ears are your brain’s windows to the world. They help you gather information, connect with others, and navigate your surroundings. When your vision and hearing begin to fade, your brain has to work harder to make sense of what’s happening around you. This extra effort can have unexpected effects.

Research has found that mild to moderate hearing and vision impairment are linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline. People with untreated hearing loss, for example, are more likely to experience memory challenges or develop dementia. Similarly, vision problems can lead to mental strain, isolation, and an elevated risk of dementia.

Why? People with sensory loss have less input – or information – to process in their brains. Since the brain needs regular activity to stay healthy, a lack of stimulation can cause it to shrink over time. Untreated hearing loss, for example, is linked to changes in areas of the brain that are responsible for processing sound and memory. The part of the brain that processes sounds is near the area most impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. 

A decline in social interaction is another factor to consider. Sensory loss can make it more difficult for older adults to stay socially connected, which may lead to isolation – a major risk factor for cognitive decline. 

How hearing and vision loss affect everyday life

Hearing and vision loss can sneak up on you, making it easy to overlook the effects at first. Over time, though, they can lead to challenges that impact your daily life and reduce your overall quality of life. These may include memory issues, as your brain works harder to process what you hear or see; mental exhaustion or confusion from the extra effort of interpreting sounds and sights; decreased confidence, causing hesitation to participate in conversations or activities in social settings; and an increased risk of falls due to impaired balance and awareness.

Steps to protect your cognitive health

The good news is there are ways to address hearing and vision loss and reduce its impact on your brain health. Here are some steps to consider:

• Get regular screenings
  Just as you visit the doctor for checkups, it’s important to have your hearing and vision tested regularly. Catching problems early means you can take action before they affect your brain health. Want to screen yourself before seeing a doctor? As part of Apple’s new Hearing Health features in its latest software update, you can take a "clinical-grade" hearing test on your iPhone using AirPods Pro 2 earbuds.
  
  
• Use hearing aids or glasses
  If you’ve been prescribed hearing aids or glasses, use them! These tools can make a big difference in reducing the strain on your brain. Modern hearing aids, for example, are discreet and highly effective. And glasses are worn by people of all ages – and fit anyone’s personal style!
  
  
• Stay mentally and socially active
  Keep your brain engaged by doing puzzles, reading, or learning something new. Staying connected with friends and family is also key – social interaction helps keep your brain sharp.
  
  
• Protect your senses
  Avoid prolonged exposure to loud noises, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays, and use good lighting at home to make it easier to see things.
  
  
• Stay physically active
  Exercise improves blood flow to your brain and can help protect against cognitive decline. Even a daily walk can make a big difference!
  
  
• Address other health conditions
  Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can contribute to sensory loss and cognitive decline. Managing these conditions with the help of your doctor can protect your overall health.

When to see a specialist

If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing or vision, don’t wait to seek help. You should see a specialist if you notice that you are frequently asking others to repeat themselves, struggling to follow conversations in noisy places, having difficulty seeing clearly even with glasses or contact lenses, or feeling disconnected in social settings. A specialist can help you find the right solutions to address these challenges and improve your quality of life.

Embracing change: Caring for your hearing, vision and mind

Hearing and vision loss are a natural part of aging, but they don’t have to slow you down. Addressing these changes early can help protect your brain health and allow you to keep enjoying the life you love. Like a muscle, your brain stays stronger when it’s active and supported.

If you’re worried about your hearing, vision, or memory, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor. Together, you can create a plan to maintain your well-being and make the most of every moment.

Katie Maceyko is a nurse practitioner at Patina, which delivers comprehensive care and health navigation for adults 65+ enrolled in traditional Medicare or participating Medicare Advantage plans. She is a graduate of Jefferson University in Philadelphia and has been a clinician for more than 10 years. Read why Katie is a patient favorite on Healthgrades.

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