Hear today – remember tomorrow

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Elissa Kawamoto, Audiologist at HearUSA, discusses how early hearing care supports brain health and lowers dementia risk.

September is World Alzheimer’s Month, which is a good reminder of how important it is to protect our brain health long before problems arise. While many associate mental wellness with memory exercises or diet, new research reveals a surprising factor in maintaining cognitive sharpness: our hearing. In fact, a recent JAMA study suggests that people who begin using hearing aids before age 70 can reduce their risk of dementia by 61% [1]. It’s a significant takeaway and one that illuminates new truths: addressing hearing loss early is not just about hearing better, but about safeguarding your brain health for the future.

Why timing matters

The reality is that as hearing declines, the brain has to work harder to fill in the gaps left by missing sounds. Audiologists often compare this to “squinting with your ears.” This extra mental effort can leave you feeling tired and mentally drained. If left untreated, hearing loss can lead to social withdrawal. You might begin to avoid dinners, feel overwhelmed at family gatherings, or stay quiet during conversations. Over time, this isolation can accelerate cognitive decline.

The JAMA study highlights something especially important: timing is everything. Early intervention, before age 70, delivers the strongest protective benefits for the brain. This is because, once certain neural pathways related to hearing begin to weaken, they can be difficult to restore. This is why starting treatment early, including the use of hearing aids, can make a big difference. Early intervention helps keep the brain engaged in processing sound and preserves its ability to adapt and respond effectively to hearing technology.

Hearing aids are a common – and effective – form of treatment. Hearing aids not only restore sound but also help rebuild connections, keeping you engaged with the people and activities that matter most. Starting with hearing aids early can also make the adjustment process smoother and more natural. Like any new routine, hearing aids take time to get used to. The sooner you begin, the more natural they become. Clients who adopt hearing aids earlier often report less fatigue, greater participation in social activities, and a stronger sense of independence. Waiting, on the other hand, can lead to a steeper learning curve and fewer long-term cognitive benefits.

Taking the first step toward better hearing and brain health

So, why do so many people put off getting help? For some, it’s a matter of denial. They may find themselves frequently asking others to repeat things, turning up the volume on the TV, or blaming others for mumbling. These can all be signs of hearing loss that often go unrecognized. Others may hold on to outdated perceptions of hearing aids, including how they look or what they might suggest about aging. At HearUSA, we encourage clients to think about how hearing loss is affecting their daily life and relationships. We ask them, can you follow conversations in a noisy restaurant? Do you miss details when our grandchildren visit? Are you avoiding your favorite activities because communication feels harder? These reflections can help people recognize not only what they may be missing, but also what they have the potential to regain.

Family members have the power to make a lasting impact. By encouraging loved ones with understanding and care, one can help others to take important steps forward. Support makes all the difference. For example, Instead of saying, “I’m tired of repeating myself,” try a lighter approach like, “Why don’t we both get our hearing checked?” Framing the test as a shared experience makes the process less intimidating.

For many, the turning point comes from personal experience with improved hearing. One of my clients who teaches fishing to children realized he could not hear their voices. After a week-long trial with hearing aids, he described the difference as night and day. He reconnected not only with the children but also with friends and family, rediscovering joy in conversations he had been missing. That renewed social connection also delivers valuable cognitive stimulation, helping to keep his mind sharp.

A simple hearing test is often the first step. Even if you’re not ready for treatment right away, it provides a baseline and opens the door to future discussions about your options. With hearing aids, consistent daily use delivers the best outcomes. Think of them not as a quick fix but as a long-term investment in your brain health and independence.

World Alzheimer’s Month encourages us to start caring for our brain health now by making informed, healthy choices early in life. Hearing care is emerging as one of the most impactful factors, as the JAMA study shows, with early hearing aid use helping to meaningfully lower dementia risk [1]. By identifying hearing loss early and taking action, you give yourself the best chance to stay sharp, stay connected, and stay true to who you are. Prioritizing your hearing health today can make all the difference for your tomorrow.

About Elissa Kawamoto

Elissa Kawamoto, AuD, is an audiologist at HearUSA in Phoenix, Arizona. She earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Arizona and her Doctorate of Audiology from Arizona State University. Dr Kawamoto is dedicated to advancing hearing healthcare and educating patients and their families on the impact of hearing loss on overall health and wellness.