Cognitive Decline is Often Linked to Hearing Loss: Why?

Researchers believe that they have identified a biological “bridge” between age-related hearing loss and cognitive decline. While scientists have previously been aware of a link between hearing and the risk of cognitive decline, there has been uncertainty around what mechanisms might be behind it. The new study, published in "eNeuro", takes a step toward understanding by examining the brains of people with presbycusis, a form of age-related hearing loss. Presbycusis is the most common cause of hearing loss worldwide and affects an estimated two-thirds of Americans aged 70 and above.