Hearing tests may be more important than we think, Kaye Boehning says on Wednesday broadcast
HUNTSVILLE, Texas – In this week’s “Kaye’s Wednesday Wisdom” on Good Morning Huntsville, Kaye Boehning returned to the studio with a message that could have serious implications for public health: hearing loss is more than a minor inconvenience—it may be linked to cognitive decline and dementia.
Personal Experience Leads to Public Advice
Boehning, the longtime director of Tomorrow’s Promise Montessori Schools, opened up about her own recent experience. After years of noticing a decline in her ability to hear certain tones and background sounds, she finally decided to get her hearing checked.
“I’ve been saying for several years that I can’t hear things like I used to,” she said. “I finally went for a test, and the doctor told me I failed. What I didn’t know is how hearing loss affects more than just your ears.”
The Link Between Hearing Loss and Brain Health
What surprised Boehning most was the explanation her doctor gave: when certain sounds are no longer processed by the ear, the brain regions associated with those frequencies start to shut down. That, in turn, can contribute to cognitive decline.
According to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, a study of more than 2,400 older adults found that moderate to severe hearing loss was associated with a 61% higher prevalence of dementia, while hearing aid use was linked to a 32% lower risk among those with hearing loss¹.
“The background noise—the things you don’t even notice hearing—actually keep certain parts of your brain active,” Boehning said. “When that input is gone, your brain starts shutting those areas down.”
Hearing Loss Is a Modifiable Risk Factor
The Alzheimer’s Society includes hearing loss as one of twelve modifiable risk factors for dementia. Research from The Lancet Commission estimates that managing hearing loss could potentially prevent up to 8% of dementia cases worldwide².
“Just because you’re not completely deaf doesn’t mean you don’t have hearing loss,” Boehning noted. “Certain tones and frequencies can drop out and you might not even realize it until it’s too late.”
Insurance Gaps Add to the Challenge
One of Boehning’s major concerns is the cost of hearing aids, which are often not covered by insurance.
“These hearing aids cost as much as a small car,” she said. “It doesn’t make sense that something so critical to long-term health isn’t covered.”
That concern is echoed by AARP and other advocacy groups pushing for broader Medicare coverage for hearing aids, especially for older adults on fixed incomes.
It’s Not Just Seniors—Younger Adults at Risk Too
Boehning emphasized that hearing loss isn’t just a senior issue. With increasing exposure to loud music, earbuds, and noisy environments, younger adults are experiencing hearing decline earlier.
“People in their 40s are already losing their hearing, depending on how much loud noise they’ve been exposed to,” she said. “And it starts even earlier for some.”
The CDC confirms this trend, reporting that nearly 1 in 4 U.S. adults aged 20 to 69 who report excellent hearing actually have measurable hearing damage³.
Hearing and Childhood Development
Boehning also tied the topic to her expertise in early childhood education. “Learning to read is directly tied to hearing,” she explained. “If a child can’t hear the sounds that letters make, it’s harder to build foundational literacy.”
She encouraged parents to play sound-based games with their children and stay alert to any signs of hearing challenges, especially since many issues are not caught until kindergarten.
A Simple Call to Action
Her message, though grounded in science, came with a simple challenge: “Go get your hearing checked,” Boehning said. “Even if you think it’s not a problem yet, early testing can make a world of difference.”
About Tomorrow’s Promise Montessori Schools
Tomorrow’s Promise Montessori Schools creates a joyful learning environment that fosters each child’s independence and respect for their unique developmental path. Guided by Montessori principles, Tomorrow’s Promise emphasizes hands-on exploration, real-world connections, and social-emotional growth. Through a supportive and inclusive community, they empower children to reach their fullest potential. For more information, visit tomorrowspromise.info.
References
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health – Hearing Loss and Dementia
https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2023/new-study-links-hearing-loss-with-dementia-in-older-adults - Alzheimer’s Society – Hearing Loss and Dementia Risk
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/managing-the-risk-of-dementia/reduce-your-risk-of-dementia/hearing-loss - CDC – Hearing Loss Vital Signs Report
https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/hearingloss/index.html
