Use of Hearing Aids Linked to Lower Dementia Risk in Epilepsy Patients

New research from the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Congress 2026 indicates that adults with both epilepsy and hearing loss who use hearing aids may face a 23% reduced risk of developing dementia. The study analyzed data from over 250 million patients within the TriNetX network.

Researchers investigated the link between hearing aid usage and dementia risk amongst various health groups. While no significant relationship was found in the general population or those with conditions like stroke, type 2 diabetes, and migraine, the use of hearing aids notably lowered dementia risk for those with both epilepsy and hearing loss.

This reduction is attributed to the concept of cognitive reserve, which may be lower in epilepsy patients, thus making them more susceptible to cognitive strain. The findings suggest integrating hearing assessments into epilepsy care.