Audiometric Hearing Loss and the Risk of Developing Dementia Over Eight Years in Older Black and White Adults: Findings from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Neurocognitive Study - Summary - MDSpire

Audiometric Hearing Loss and the Risk of Developing Dementia Over Eight Years in Older Black and White Adults: Findings from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Neurocognitive Study

  • By

  • Jennifer A. Deal

  • John J. Shin

  • Kening Jiang

  • A. Richey Sharrett

  • Josef Coresh

  • Rebecca F. Gottesman

  • David S. Knopman

  • Thomas Mosley

  • Keenan A. Walker

  • Frank R. Lin

  • Nicholas S. Reed

  • April 9, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To investigate racial disparities in the effects of audiometric hearing loss on dementia risk and mortality among older adults.

Approach:
    Key Findings:
    • Dementia risk associated with moderate-to-severe hearing loss was similar for Black (HR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.05, 2.61) and White participants (HR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.16, 2.51).
    • Moderate-to-severe hearing loss was linked to a 2.3-fold increase in mortality among Black participants only (95% CI: 1.17, 4.60).
    Interpretation:

    Hearing loss significantly impacts the health of both Black and White older adults, but mortality risks differ by race, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to promote health equity.

    Limitations:
    • The study may not generalize to other racial groups due to specific exclusion criteria.
    • Limited representation of Black participants in previous studies may affect the understanding of racial disparities.
    Conclusion:

    Addressing racial disparities in hearing healthcare is crucial for advancing health equity among older adults.

Original Source(s)

Audiometric Hearing Loss and the Risk of Developing Dementia Over Eight Years in Older Black and White Adults: Findings from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Neurocognitive Study

  • by Jennifer A. Deal, John J. Shin, Kening Jiang, A. Richey Sharrett, Josef Coresh, Rebecca F. Gottesman, David S. Knopman, Thomas Mosley, Keenan A. Walker, Frank R. Lin, Nicholas S. Reed

  • April 9, 2026

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