Treating hearing loss with hearing aids may lower dementia risk for people with epilepsy, according to new research presented at the European Academy of Neurology Congress 2026.
The observational study analyzed health records from over 250 million patients. Researchers from the University of Zurich and the University of Liverpool compared adults with hearing loss who used hearing aids against matched peers who did not.
The findings were specific. While no significant dementia risk reduction was found in the general hearing-loss population, or for those with other conditions like stroke or diabetes, a clear benefit emerged for people with epilepsy. Those using hearing aids had a 23% lower risk.
Lead author Dr. Carolina Ferreira-Atuesta noted the specificity was surprising. The team suggests that because epilepsy often depletes the brain's cognitive reserve, easing an additional strain like hearing loss may have a larger protective effect.
The study concludes that treating hearing loss is a low-risk intervention. Given that epilepsy patients have frequent medical appointments, integrating hearing checks is a practical step for care.