Audiometric Hearing Loss and Dementia Risk in Older Black and White Adults

Overview

This study examined the association between audiometric hearing loss and dementia risk over eight years in a biracial cohort of older adults. Moderate-to-severe hearing loss increased dementia risk similarly in Black and White participants, while it was linked to higher mortality only among Black participants.

Background

Hearing loss is a known risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), with prior research predominantly involving White populations. Black older adults have a higher risk of ADRD but are less frequently diagnosed, and racial disparities exist in hearing healthcare access. Understanding how hearing loss impacts dementia risk across racial groups is critical to addressing health inequities and improving clinical outcomes.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Moderate-to-severe audiometric hearing loss is associated with approximately 1.7-fold increased risk of dementia in both Black and White older adults.
• No significant interaction between race and hearing loss was found regarding dementia risk (P-interaction = 0.92), indicating similar effects across racial groups.
• Moderate-to-severe hearing loss was linked to a 2.3-fold increase in mortality risk among Black participants only.
• Black older adults face disparities in hearing healthcare access despite similar dementia risk associated with hearing loss.
• Inclusion of minoritized populations in hearing treatment research is essential to inform equitable clinical and policy decisions.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should recognize that moderate-to-severe hearing loss elevates dementia risk similarly in Black and White older adults, underscoring the importance of hearing assessment and intervention across racial groups. Addressing racial disparities in hearing healthcare access may reduce mortality risks and improve cognitive health outcomes in Black older adults. Hearing loss treatment should be integrated into dementia prevention strategies for all populations.

Conclusion

Audiometric hearing loss significantly increases dementia risk in both Black and White older adults, with additional mortality risk observed in Black participants. Efforts to reduce racial disparities in hearing healthcare are vital to advancing health equity and improving cognitive outcomes.

Related Resources & Content

1. ARIC Neurocognitive Study 2024 -- Audiometric Hearing Loss and Dementia Risk