As his hearing loss worsened, Richard found it increasingly difficult to stay engaged with friends and family. A hearing aid allowed him to hear better, but learning new ways to communicate helped him stay connected.
Hearing loss and social isolation are both modifiable risk factors for dementia. Addressing hearing concerns and finding ways to stay connected are practical steps people can take to support their brain health as they age.
During World Alzheimer’s Month this September, Baycrest is encouraging people to pay attention to changes in their hearing and communication and take action early to support their quality of life, social connections and brain health.
Why hearing loss matters for brain health
Hearing loss becomes increasingly common as we age, but it can develop gradually, making it easy to adapt without realizing how much it is affecting everyday life.
“When untreated, hearing loss increases the effort needed to listen, which can contribute to fatigue, stress and cognitive strain,” says Debbie Ostroff, a registered audiologist at Baycrest. “As conversations become more difficult, people may also begin to withdraw socially. That matters because both hearing loss and social isolation are associated with cognitive health.”
While hearing loss does not mean someone will develop dementia, addressing hearing concerns is one practical step people can take to stay connected and support their brain health as they age.
Baycrest offers a free online hearing screening test that can be completed from home. If the screening suggests a possible hearing concern, speaking with an audiologist can help determine whether a more comprehensive assessment is appropriate.
Building better communication habits
For people with hearing loss, treatment may include hearing aids or other personalized solutions. But hearing better does not automatically make communication easier. Learning how to navigate conversations and listening challenges can also help people stay socially connected.
“While a hearing aid addresses hearing loss, practising communication strategies allows patients to stay engaged,” says Ostroff.
Led by Baycrest’s expert audiologists, the Aural Rehabilitation Program helps people with hearing loss and their families learn practical strategies to overcome listening challenges and stay connected. The four-session virtual program provides a small, supportive group environment where participants can share experiences and learn strategies together. Family members, friends and caregivers are encouraged to participate.
After completing the program with his wife, Richard began actively using several strategies in his daily life. One of his key learnings was openly acknowledging his hearing loss and letting others know when he was struggling. He can now offer practical suggestions to make conversations easier, such as moving closer, speaking a little more slowly or getting his attention before speaking.
For Richard, these small changes have made conversations easier and helped him stay connected to the people around him, an important part of supporting well-being and brain health as we age.
Take the first step
Hearing loss can develop gradually, so you may not immediately recognize how much it is affecting your everyday life. Take Baycrest’s free online hearing screening test to check your hearing from home.
If you have concerns, ask your doctor for a referral to Baycrest’s audiology clinic for a comprehensive hearing assessment, which is covered by OHIP with a physician’s referral.
World Alzheimer’s Month: September, 2026
Take Action for Your Brain Health – This World Alzheimer’s Month, explore practical ways to understand, protect and support your brain health through expert advice, free tools and trusted resources from Baycrest.