The Research Behind Hearing Loss

How hearing aids help protect your brain, extend lifespan, and save your relationships.

The facts

Most people don't realize they have hearing loss.

Men are 2x more likely than women to have hearing loss 
66%

show measurable hearing loss

37%

actually realize they have it

32%

dementia cases linked to hearing loss

Good news

95% of people with hearing loss only have mild to moderate hearing loss.

Bad news

The average person waits 10 years from first noticing symptoms to seeking treatment.

*Goman, A. M., & Lin, F. R. (2016). Prevalence of hearing loss by severity in the United States. American Journal of Public Health, 106(10), 1820–1822. Link
**National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2023). Quick statistics about hearing. Link

***Naylor, G., et al. (2023). Attributable risk of dementia from hearing loss. JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck. Link

Men are 2x more likely than women to have hearing loss 

*Goman, A. M., & Lin, F. R. (2016). Prevalence of hearing loss by severity in the United States. American Journal of Public Health, 106(10), 1820–1822. Link
**National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2023). Quick statistics about hearing. Link

***Naylor, G., et al. (2023). Attributable risk of dementia from hearing loss. JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck. Link

Hearing loss is one of the biggest risk factor for dementia

5x

dementia risk

Severe hearing loss

3x

dementia risk

Moderate hearing loss

2x

dementia risk

Mild hearing loss

*Lin, F. R., & Albert, M. (2014). The hidden risks of hearing loss. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Link

Unaddressed hearing loss

A 10-year Johns Hopkins MRI study found people with untreated hearing loss lose an extra cubic centimeter of brain tissue per year, specifically in areas responsible for memory and speech processing.

Unaddressed hearing loss

A 10-year Johns Hopkins MRI study found people with untreated hearing loss lose an extra cubic centimeter of brain tissue per year, specifically in areas responsible for memory and speech processing.

Experience Better Hearing

*American Ear. (n.d.). How does hearing loss affect brain function? Link

Brain tissue density

Untreated hearing loss:

-10cm3

brain tissue in 10 years

0y
2y
6y
8y
10y
Normal hearing
Untreated hearing loss

Hearing aids help protect cognitive function

14
%

better memory with hearing aids

61
%

lower dementia risk with hearing aids

20
%

better attention with hearing aids

48
%

reduction in cognitive decline over 3 years

0.2
s

processing speed improvement

*Jiang, J., Lv, Q., & Jin, Z. (2023). Association of hearing aid use with risk of dementia. JAMA Neurology. Link

**National Institutes of Health. (2023). Hearing aids slow cognitive decline in people at high risk. Link

***Alzheimer’s Society. (2023). Hearing loss and dementia risk: Protect your hearing to reduce risk. Link

****Harvard Health Publishing. (2021). In the journals: Hearing aids may help improve brain function. Link

Hearing loss can shorten your life

Untreated hearing loss
Treated hearing loss
44%

higher hospital readmission rates

50%

more hospital stays

17%

more emergency room visits

28%

higher cardiovascular mortality risk

24%

lower risk of mortality compared to non-users

12
fewer ER visits or unplanned hospitalizations
0.5
fewer days in hospital stay

*Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. (2019). Hearing loss linked to more hospitalizations, readmissions, and emergency visits. (Original research by Lin & colleagues.)

Hearing loss increases risk of falling

Hearing loss increases risk of falling

When you can't hear, your brain diverts cognitive resources to compensate for lost auditory input. This overloads the systems responsible for balance and spatial awareness.

2.4
x

higher risk of falling with untreated hearing loss

64
%

lower fall risk with hearing aids

*Maharani, A., et al. (2023). Hearing aid use and risk of falls in older adults. Frontiers in Public Health. Link

Hearing loss contributes to depression and loss of connection

Hearing loss contributes to depression and loss of connection

Spouses of people with untreated hearing loss are significantly more likely to be depressed themselves.

71%

of people without depression had normal hearing

4.6%

of people with depression had normal hearing

Research suggests individuals using hearing aids maintained meaningful social connections over a 3-year period.

*Kim, H., et al. (2024). Association between hearing loss and depression: A population-based study. Journal of Psychiatric Research. Link

**Li, C.-M., et al. (2014). Hearing impairment associated with depression in US adults. JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, 140(4), 293–302. Link

***Bennett, R. J., et al. (2023). Social consequences of hearing loss. Frontiers in Neuroscience. Link

****Scarinci, N., et al. (2008). The impact of mild hearing loss on couples. International Journal of Audiology. Link

Delaying treatment can affect more than your hearing

Your brain loses an extra cubic centimeter of tissue every year you wait.

Your dementia risk multiplies

Your cognitive load increases

Your social connections deteriorate

Your risk of falls and injury increases

Your mortality risk can increase

Meet

Access to premium hearing aids

Available in retail and online for $289-$689 (90% less than traditional hearing aids). And no prescriptions needed.

Available in

Professional-grade sound quality restores auditory stimulation

Audien hearing aids deliver crystal-clear audio that rivals $6,000 prescription devices. And directional sound technology and background noise cancellation process speech quickly.

Personalized hearing modes adapt to your life

Multiple environment-specific and hearing profile modes let you optimize sound for your specific level of hearing loss and environment. Never withdraw or feel isolated again.

Nearly invisible comfort design

Patented ergonomic design is so discreet and comfortable, you'll forget you're wearing them.

protect health with hearing aids