Is there a link between hearing loss and cognitive health?

Over the past few years, there has been an increasing focus on the link between hearing loss and cognitive decline. This has gained momentum through the work of the ‘Lancet Commission’ who found that hearing loss is the biggest modifiable risk factor for Dementia. However, there are many comorbidities with older age that also needs to be considered, so it is difficult to isolate any contributing factor. The thing to focus on is that hearing loss can lead to social isolation and an overall reduction in well-being. Hearing well means engaging well and that ultimately increases quality of life.