6 Health Concerns You Wouldn’t Expect To Be Linked to Hearing Loss

1. Cognitive Decline and Dementia

It has been well documented in the last 10 years that the inability to hear acutely exacerbates cognitive impairment and dementia. Johns Hopkins University conducted a study that showed that participants with untreated hearing impairment were at higher risk of developing dementia– four to five times higher– than that of the participants with normal hearing or that had treated hearing loss with hearing aids. Some potential causes of this association are cognitive overload, social isolation, and brain shrinkage shown to occur with hearing loss.

2. Depression and Anxiety

Another condition linked to hearing loss is depression and mental anxiety. According to a study conducted in 2025 and published in Laryngoscope, people with hearing loss are more likely to have moderate to severe depression, possibly because of the emotional strain of asking people to repeat themselves constantly. There is also an element of social isolation that happens when people start avoiding gatherings with family and friends because of the struggle to hear and participate in conversations.

3. Parkinson’s Disease and Hearing Loss

Research released in October 2024 shows a correlation between hearing impairment and Parkinson’s disease which is a neurodegenerative disease. The study which was published in JAMA Neurology, established that people with hearing impairment have a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease than those with normal hearing. Interestingly, this study also showed that early treatment of hearing loss could enhance brain function and may help to preserve cognitive and motor function.

4. Cardiovascular Disease

Surprisingly, hearing loss and cardiovascular health are also linked. The inner ear relies on healthy blood flow, and poor circulation caused by cardiovascular disease can damage the delicate structures in the cochlea. Research has suggested that individuals with heart disease are 54% more likely to have hearing loss, indicating that those diagnosed with heart disease should also monitor their hearing.

5. Diabetes

According to recent studies, people with diabetes are twice as likely to be affected by hearing loss when compared to those without diabetes. Diabetes is a condition that affects the blood vessels and the nerves in the entire body including the auditory nerve in the ear. Similar to how diabetes causes neuropathy in the limbs, it can cause nerve damage in the hearing system as well.

6. Falls and Balance Disorders

According to a recent JAMA study, people with mild hearing loss have 2.4 times the chances of falling than those with normal hearing. This rises steadily with the degree of hearing loss, which only serves to stress the need to diagnose and treat it as early as possible.

Why Early Intervention Matters

The connections between hearing loss and these comorbidities make early intervention critical. Treating hearing loss with hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other assistive devices not only improves hearing but can also reduce the risk of associated health issues.

Protect Your Health by Protecting Your Hearing

Hearing is not just about sound—it’s about staying connected to life, loved ones, and your health. The relationship between hearing loss and these comorbidities emphasizes the importance of early treatment. By using hearing aids, cochlear implants or any other assistive devices, not only is the hearing improved but the chances of other related illnesses are also minimized. If you or someone you know is struggling with hearing loss, don’t wait. Take action today to protect your hearing and your future health.