A new study found that older adults with hearing loss who feel lonely may lose their memory faster. This makes them more likely to get dementia. Scientists from Switzerland studied this problem carefully.
The research shows hearing trouble makes daily life harder. People can’t talk easily with others or stay alert. When they also feel lonely, their brain health gets worse quicker. The study appeared in a science journal about how people think and feel.
The lead researcher said: “Even people with friends feel lonely sometimes. If they can’t hear well too, their memory gets worse faster.” His team checked information from 33,000 older Europeans to understand this problem.
They put people in three groups:
- People alone who feel lonely
- People with friends who still feel lonely
- People alone who don’t feel lonely
The study says we must help with both hearing and loneliness to protect older people’s minds. Hearing aids could help people join conversations and keep their brains working well.
Another scientist explained: “Better hearing helps people talk more. Talking keeps the brain healthy.”
Experts say by 2050, many people will have hearing trouble. Right now, over 25% of people over 60 can’t hear well. This makes memory problems much more likely – up to 3 times more!
The study gives important advice:
- Fix hearing problems early
- Care about people’s feelings
- Use hearing aids when needed
Doctors and families should watch for both hearing loss and loneliness. Helping with these problems can keep older people’s minds strong. Simple things like hearing aids and friendly visits might stop memory loss before it starts.
The message is clear: Good hearing and good friendships both help keep brains healthy as we get older. We should take care of both to help our loved ones stay sharp.