WA researchers are investigating whether hearing aids can delay or arrest cognitive decline.
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Preliminary findings are expected to be published in the middle of 2024.
Ear Science Institute Australia is conducting HearCog, a two-year randomised control trial of hearing loss and dementia.
Dr Dona Jayakody, audiologist and research lead, developed the trial concept in 2015 when she began researching the link between cognition and hearing loss.
"My research found that hearing loss is associated with cognitive impairment/dementia so I was interested in finding out whether this could be delayed or arrested by treating hearing loss," Dr Jayakody said.
"Current data suggests hearing loss accounts for eight per cent of the modifiable risk factors of all cases of dementia."
One hundred and eighty older adults with hearing loss and mild cognitive impairment were recruited to undertake the study.
Only participants at risk of dementia were selected to be included.
Issues that have emerged since the study commenced include participants reporting the significant impact that their hearing loss has on loneliness, social isolation, communication challenges and quality of life.
Several reported suicidal ideations at the thought of developing dementia.
Ear Science CEO, Adjunct Associate Professor Sandra Bellekom said, "Hearing loss is such a concern for humanity and there is no cure or effective treatment currently in sight for dementia.
"Ear Science has taken a calculated risk on this study to try and identify factors that help prevent or delay both age-related and pathological cognitive decline and dementia.
"We anticipate that our final findings will have significant implications on clinical practice and health policy development worldwide."
