Hearing Aids and Dementia: New WHO Guidance
The connection between hearing loss and brain health has been studied for a number of years, and new guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) has brought the topic back into focus.
For the first time, WHO has included hearing aids in its recommendations for reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia in adults with hearing loss.
So, what does this actually mean?
What has the World Health Organization said about hearing aids and dementia?
In July 2026, the World Health Organization published an updated edition of its Risk Reduction of Cognitive Decline and Dementia guidelines.
The new guidance states that hearing aids may be offered to adults with hearing loss to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and/or dementia.
This is a significant update. When WHO published its previous guidance in 2019, there wasn't enough evidence available to make a recommendation on hearing aids for reducing dementia risk.
It is important to be clear that this does not mean hearing aids can prevent dementia. WHO describes the recommendation as conditional and says the certainty of the current evidence remains low.
What it does highlight is the growing importance of looking after our hearing as part of our overall health, particularly as we get older.
What is the link between hearing loss and dementia?
Hearing loss has been identified as a potentially modifiable risk factor associated with dementia.
Researchers are still studying exactly why the two may be connected. One possible explanation is that when hearing becomes more difficult, the brain has to work harder to understand speech and conversations.
Hearing loss can also make social situations more challenging. Some people begin avoiding conversations, restaurants, family gatherings or other situations where they find it difficult to hear.
Over time, this can contribute to social isolation and reduced engagement with the people around us.
While hearing loss does not mean that someone will develop dementia, the growing research is another reason not to ignore changes in your hearing.
Don't wait to get your hearing checked
Hearing loss often happens gradually, which means it isn't always obvious at first.
You might notice yourself turning the television up, asking people to repeat themselves more often or finding it harder to follow conversations when there is background noise.
These can all be signs that it's time to have your hearing checked.
A hearing test is quick and straightforward, and if hearing loss is identified, an Audiologist can explain your results and the options available to you.
Look after your hearing with Blackberry Hearing
The latest WHO guidance is another reminder that hearing health is an important part of our overall health and wellbeing.
At Blackberry Hearing, we offer free hearing tests at clinics across Ireland, carried out by our qualified Audiologists.
If you have noticed a change in your hearing, or simply haven't had your hearing checked in a while, now is a good time to do it.
Book your free hearing test with Blackberry Hearing today.
References
World Health Organization (WHO) – Risk Reduction of Cognitive Decline and Dementia: WHO Guidelines, Second Edition, July 2026.
HearingTracker – WHO Adds Hearing Aids to Dementia Prevention Guidance, July 2026.
