Recent research results have shown that hearing loss is one of the factors that increases the risk of dementia. A study of over 60,000 hearing-impaired patients in 33 countries found that hearing aid users had a 9% lower risk of developing dementia than non-users, and the risk decreased by up to 14% when the effect of hearing improvement was significant. Hearing loss can increase the risk of dementia through increased cognitive load, brain structure changes, and social isolation. However, hearing loss is one of the correctable risk factors for dementia, and improving hearing through hearing aid use can reduce the risk of developing dementia. The domestic hearing aid usage rate is only 1/4 that of developed countries, and there is a problem that it takes an average of 9 years from the onset of hearing loss to wear a hearing aid. Experts emphasize the importance of considering hearing aids early and wearing them in both ears once hearing loss is confirmed.
