All Ears Hearing and Tinnitus Podcast9 Juni

The Hidden Link Between Hearing Loss, Depression, and Dementia

Hearing loss is often treated as a simple sensory issue, but research shows it plays a much larger role in long-term brain health. In this episode, Dr. Layne Garrett explores the connection between hearing loss, depression, and cognitive decline, and why these conditions should never be viewed in isolation.

Drawing from major research including the 2024 Lancet Commission and large-scale longitudinal studies, this discussion explains how hearing loss increases auditory load, reduces speech clarity, and forces the brain to work harder to process sound. Over time, this added strain may contribute to cognitive decline. At the same time, hearing loss often leads to social withdrawal, which can contribute to depression. Depression itself is associated with changes in memory systems, inflammation, and stress response, further increasing dementia risk.

When hearing loss and depression occur together, the impact on brain health appears to be significantly amplified. This episode breaks down what that means clinically and why comprehensive care must address both hearing and mental health together.

Dr. Garrett brings more than two decades of experience in tinnitus and complex hearing loss, including REM-verified hearing aid fittings and evidence-based tinnitus therapies. If you are concerned about hearing changes, cognitive health, or tinnitus, early evaluation can make a meaningful difference.

You can learn more here.

To schedule an appointment in one of or Northern Utah Clinics click here.

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Avsnitt(92)

When Your Hearing Test Says "Fine" But You're Still Struggling

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12 Juni 11min

Does Lenire Work? What Real-World Data Shows

Tinnitus treatment is often filled with conflicting claims, making it difficult to know what is actually supported by evidence. In this episode, Dr. Layne Garrett breaks down Lenire, an FDA-approved b...

5 Juni 11min

Why a "Normal" Hearing Test Can Miss Why You Struggle To Understand

Many people are told their hearing test is "normal," yet they still struggle to follow conversations, especially in noisy environments. In this episode, Dr. Layne Garrett explains why that experience ...

26 Maj 14min

Phonak Lyric Review: Invisible, 24/7 — But Not for Everyone

The Phonak Lyric is the only truly invisible, extended-wear hearing aid on the market — placed deep in the ear canal and worn 24/7 for months at a time. But is it actually better? In this episode, Dr....

19 Maj 11min

Why Tinnitus Sometimes Spikes After a Nap

Many people with tinnitus notice something strange. They take a nap, wake up, and suddenly the ringing is louder. For years this pattern puzzled both patients and clinicians. Now, new research is begi...

15 Maj 10min

How to Adjust to Hearing Aids Faster

Getting hearing aids should feel like a breakthrough — but for many new users, the first few days feel strange, loud, and even discouraging. In this episode, Dr. Layne Garrett explains why that reacti...

12 Maj 13min