The researchers found that older adults with hearing impairments who also feel lonely—regardless of actual social isolation—experience faster cognitive decline.
The research team analysed data from 33,000 older adults across Europe to examine the combined impact of hearing loss and loneliness on memory. The findings show that hearing loss accelerates cognitive decline particularly among individuals who feel lonely, regardless of whether they are socially isolated.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), nearly 2.5 billion people will experience hearing loss or impairment by 2050. More than 25% of people over the age of 60 experience disabling hearing impairment.
In addition to the social challenges it creates, this loss or reduction of hearing is linked to a significantly increased risk of cognitive decline in later life. That risk may be two to three times higher for those affected.
“We used data from twelve countries,” says Andreas Ihle, assistant professor at the Lifespan Lab and director of the study.
Participants are surveyed every two years on various aspects of their daily lives such as activities, social connections, and perceptions and undergo tests on cognitive functions like episodic memory, using standardised exercises.
The research team identified three distinct profiles related to the issue: individuals who are socially isolated and feel lonely; individuals who are not socially isolated but still feel lonely; individuals who are socially isolated but do not feel lonely.
The scientists then examined whether these different profiles had different trajectories of cognitive decline, depending on the type of perceived isolation and the degree of hearing loss.
“We found that people who were not socially isolated but who felt lonely saw their cognitive decline accelerate when they were deaf,” says Professor Matthias Kliegel, co-author of the study.
These findings support the importance of addressing both hearing impairment and the social and emotional dimensions of individuals in efforts to prevent cognitive decline. This is particularly crucial for people who are not socially isolated but still feel lonely. In such cases, simple hearing interventions, like using a hearing aid, may be enough to help them engage more fully in social life.
“These individuals are already socially integrated, so it’s a matter of removing a sensory barrier in order to reinforce their engagement and protect their cognitive health,” concludes Charikleia Lampraki, researcher and first author of the study.
