Public awareness and behavioral impact of the hearing loss-dementia link among middle- to older-aged Canadians

Hearing loss is a major potentially modifiable risk factor for dementia, yet public awareness of this link and its behavioral implications remain poorly understood. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1,404 Canadians aged 44-97 years to examine (1) awareness of the hearing loss-dementia link and of potential cognitive benefits of hearing aids, and (2) whether such awareness influences behavior regarding hearing-loss treatment and communication. Participants completed measures of awareness, subjective hearing and cognitive function, dementia-related concerns, perceptions of the link, and demographic characteristics. 28% of respondents reported awareness of the hearing loss-dementia association, and 13% had heard about potential cognitive benefits of hearing aids. Moreover, 17% and 12% reported being more inclined to seek/continue hearing-loss treatment and speak openly about their hearing loss, respectively, as a result of this knowledge. Awareness and reported behavior change were more than twice as prevalent in a health-engaged subsample. Logistic regression analyses indicated that higher education, greater concern about dementia, older age, and female gender were associated with greater awareness of the link and potential hearing-aid benefits. Among participants aware of the link, greater dementia concern, poorer subjective cognitive function, and higher confidence in understanding the association predicted inclinations toward treatment, whereas openness in communication was primarily driven by confidence in understanding the link. These results highlight key determinants of awareness and behavior relevant to public health communication.