🧠 Hearing intervention versus health education control to reduce cognitive decline in older adults with hearing loss

Published In: The Lancet Healthy Longevity
Date: May 2025
Authors: Lin et al.
Link: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(23)01406-X/abstract

Summary
This large U.S. trial (ACHIEVE) tested if hearing interventions (hearing aids plus counselling) help prevent cognitive decline compared with general health education in 70–84‑year‑olds with hearing loss. While overall there was no significant difference in thinking skills after 3 years, people at higher risk for cognitive decline (from the ARIC study) appeared to benefit from the hearing intervention.

Key Takeaways
✅ Hearing aid use didn’t significantly slow cognitive decline in the overall group over 3 years.
✅ In a high‑risk subgroup, those receiving hearing aids showed less decline—suggesting targeted benefit.
✅ No major adverse events were reported with either intervention.
✅ Benefits may vary depending on individual risk factors and baseline health.

Why It Matters for You
If you or a loved one are older, have hearing loss, and are at higher risk for cognitive decline (e.g. heart health issues), using hearing aids might help maintain thinking skills—especially when paired with proper counselling and support.

Citation
Lin, F. R., Pike, J. R., Albert, M. S., Arnold, M., Burgard, S., Chisolm, T., … & ACHIEVE Investigators. (2025). Hearing intervention versus health education control to reduce cognitive decline in older adults with hearing loss in the USA (ACHIEVE): a multicentre, randomised controlled trial. The Lancet Healthy Longevity. doi:10.1016/S2666-7568(25)00045-6