Is it really such a big deal if I don't treat my hearing loss?

Reviewed by:
Alec Cummins
Published on:
April 12, 2026

Hearing health impacts every part of a person’s life. It allows us to stay independent, feel confident, keep up with the world, and maintain a good quality of life.

While hearing loss can happen gradually, it’s important to see an audiologist as soon as you’ve noticed it isn’t as clear as it used to be.

What could happen if I don’t treat my hearing loss?

When you lose your hearing, your brain has to work harder to keep up with the world around you, often without you realising it. That extra effort can lead to accelerated cognitive decline, social isolation, increased risk of falling, and leave you feeling mentally exhausted.  

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University found that even cases of mild hearing loss doubled the risk of dementia. The good news is that studies from the Lancet Report show hearing loss is the single most modifiable risk factor for dementia, meaning taking care of your hearing health is just one of the ways you can support your long-term wellbeing.

What can I do if I have hearing loss?

If you’ve noticed you’re struggling to hear as well as you used to, we recommend seeing an audiologist as soon as possible.  

Ear360 is a comprehensive assessment that goes beyond the sounds you can hear and explores how your hearing impacts other areas of your life, such as sleep, balance, tinnitus and cognitive function. Having a complete picture of your hearing health lets us be proactive and talk about what support might help you now and in the future.

Up Next
Is it safe to go to loud concerts? How can I tell if it’s too loud?
Written by:
Perforated Eardrum: Causes, Symptoms & Healing Time
Read article
Do headphones or earbuds increase your risk of hearing loss?
Read article
The T.V. is up loud at my parent's place. What can I do?
Read article
What is Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL)?
Read article
How often should I check my hearing?
Read article
Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) in Adults
Read article
What should I do if I wake up and my hearing is different?
Read article
What is Hyperacusis?
Read article
I can hear people when it's quiet but not when it's noisy. Why?
Read article
Do I lose hearing each year?
Read article
How often should I check my hearing?
Read article
What should I do if I wake up and my hearing is different?
Read article
My family member can't hear well. What should I do?
Read article
My father-in-law can’t hear very well and won’t have a hearing test or wear hearing aids. What can we as a family do?
Read article
How do I know if I've got hearing problems?
Read article
Is there such a thing as being too old to start hearing treatment?
Read article
Barotrauma: Ear Pain from Pressure Changes
Read article

Is it really such a big deal if I don't treat my hearing loss?

Written by:
Alec Cummins
Reviewed by:
Alec Cummins
Blog length:
 min read
Published:
April 17, 2023
Updated:
April 12, 2026
Summary
No items found.
Summary
No items found.

Resonte. The Podcast

New Zealand’s home for honest conversations about hearing and healthy ageing.
Share this post
Alec
Audiologist

Hi, I’m Alec, the audiologist at Resonate Health Bayfair!