Rich Hearing & Tinnitus Center

12/24/2025

M-EAR-Y CHRISTMAS 🎄

12/12/2025

🧠 Your ears may be one of the earliest windows into your brain’s future.

Even slight age-related hearing loss in midlife appears to signal a substantially higher risk of later dementia, as shown in a large Framingham Heart Study analysis of 2,178 adults followed for up to 15 years. Participants with at least mild hearing loss were 71% more likely to develop dementia than peers with normal hearing, and even those with “slight” loss showed more white matter damage on MRI and smaller overall brain volume, key structural markers linked to neurodegeneration.

Cognitive testing revealed a particular decline in executive functions such as planning and attention, rather than memory alone, suggesting that hearing loss may sap higher-order processing over time.​

The risk was especially pronounced in people carrying the APOE4 gene variant, a genetic factor already known to raise Alzheimer’s susceptibility, where hearing loss more than amplified dementia vulnerability.

Crucially, individuals with hearing loss who used hearing aids showed a lower risk of developing dementia, hinting that restoring auditory input might lessen cognitive load, preserve social engagement, and slow downstream brain changes. Because many adults are unaware of mild impairment, the study underscores the need to integrate routine hearing assessments into midlife primary care as a practical, modifiable lever for brain health.​

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📄 RESEARCH PAPER

📌 Justin S. Golub et al., “Hearing Loss, Brain Structure, Cognition, and Dementia Risk in the Framingham Heart Study,” JAMA Network Open (2025)

10/02/2025

Understanding how your ears work makes it easier to see why loud sounds can cause harm. When you know which parts are most sensitive, you can make smarter choices to protect your hearing.

Understanding the parts of the ear — and the role of each in processing sounds — can help you better understand hearing loss.

09/30/2025

Small habits can have a big impact on your hearing over time. Paying attention to your hearing now helps support healthier ears as you get older.

09/25/2025

Protecting your hearing with simple habits like checkups, safe earwax care and noise protection can help you stay active and engaged as you age.

Expert tips for hearing aids, earwax and more

09/19/2025

Sunday is World Alzheimer's Day. Research shows hearing loss may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s, highlighting the importance of protecting your hearing. https://bit.ly/47kTHAy

09/16/2025

Aging can affect how we hear, and noticing these changes supports overall health. Paying attention to hearing helps you stay active and connected as you get older.

09/10/2025

As we get older, hearing loss can raise the risk of dementia, but using hearing aids may help protect how well we think and remember.

Findings consistent with prior studies and highlight potential benefit of hearing aid use

09/04/2025

This Healthy Aging Month, let’s remember that looking after your hearing is part of taking care of your whole health. Even small steps like protecting your ears and getting regular check-ups can make a big difference over time.

We all want to maintain good health as we get older. Learn what research tells us about how to take care of our physical, mental, and cognitive health as we age.

08/27/2025

Get your little one set for success this school year with the hearing aid essentials that keep them comfortable, connected and ready to learn.

08/22/2025

Heading back to school means new sounds and conversations. Early hearing screening helps catch any hearing changes so kids stay engaged all year long.

Learn everything you and your child with hearing loss need to succeed this back-to-school season. And find the best hearing loss back-to-school tips.

08/19/2025

Helping older family members with hearing care can reduce fall risks and keep them safer every day.

Hearing loss tends to come on slowly, and it can take years before being noticed. Yet early diagnosis and treatment are important. Learn how to take the best care of your hearing health as you age.