Millions worldwide live with hearing loss, many also battling other chronic health conditions. Researchers have long known that leaving hearing loss untreated increases the risk of dementia. The big question now is whether using hearing aids can actually help safeguard brain health.
A recent study presented at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Congress 2026 indicates the answer might depend on the individual’s underlying health issues. Scientists from the University Hospital Zurich and the University of Liverpool discovered that hearing aids were linked to a decreased risk of dementia in adults who have both epilepsy and hearing impairment. Epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, can also lead to cognitive problems such as memory loss and decreased concentration over time.
Since epilepsy already imposes additional stress on the brain, researchers speculated that improving hearing might ease one more burden. They analyzed electronic health records from the extensive TriNetX database, which includes data on over 250 million people, to explore this idea. The team compared adults with hearing loss who used hearing aids against similar individuals who did not. They also looked at other groups already known to have elevated dementia risk, such as those with stroke, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, migraines, osteoarthritis, and epilepsy.
Interestingly, wearing hearing aids did not significantly reduce dementia risk across the general population with hearing loss or within most of these medical conditions. The notable exception was epilepsy. Among individuals with both epilepsy and hearing impairment, those who used hearing aids experienced a 23% lower chance of developing dementia over the next five years. This means roughly one fewer case of dementia for every 37 people using hearing aids in that group.
The researchers suggest this effect may be due to a concept called cognitive reserve—the brain’s ability to continue functioning despite aging or disease. Individuals with epilepsy often have less cognitive reserve, so addressing hearing loss could help alleviate that additional stress on the brain. Additionally, some types of epilepsy impact brain areas involved in hearing, and certain anti-seizure medications might worsen hearing problems, making the correction of hearing loss even more crucial.
Another key takeaway is the practicality of incorporating hearing screenings into regular medical visits for epilepsy patients, who are often seen frequently. Early detection and treatment of hearing issues could improve communication, social interaction, emotional well-being, and potentially support long-term cognitive health.
However, the researchers stressed that this study is observational and cannot prove that hearing aids directly prevent dementia. Other factors may influence the outcomes, and larger, prospective clinical trials will be needed to establish a causal relationship.
Still, the findings offer promising evidence that addressing hearing loss might benefit those living with epilepsy. It also emphasizes how straightforward interventions, like hearing aids, can have meaningful impacts when applied to the right patients.
If you’re interested in reducing dementia risk, explore studies on dietary strategies and omega-3 fatty acids that support brain health. Additional recent research highlights the link between choline deficiency and Alzheimer’s disease, along with dietary choices to help prevent dementia.
Source: University Hospital Zurich and University of Liverpool.
