Dementia Action Week: Why Hearing Health Matters

This Dementia Action Week, there’s an important reason to put hearing health in the spotlight. New World Health Organization guidelines are adding to our understanding of the link between hearing loss and cognitive health, and why taking care of our hearing can be an important part of healthy ageing.

Every September, Dementia Action Week encourages Australians to learn more about dementia, challenge misconceptions and help create a more dementia-friendly future.

For Amplifon, it’s also a timely opportunity to talk about something that can sometimes be overlooked when we think about our health as we age: our hearing.

We know that hearing helps us do much more than follow a conversation. It helps us stay socially engaged, participate in the activities we enjoy and feel connected to the people and world around us.

Now, growing research is also helping us better understand the relationship between hearing loss and cognitive health.

In 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) updated its guidelines on reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

For adults with hearing loss, the WHO now conditionally recommends that hearing aids may be offered as part of strategies to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and/or dementia.

Evidence reviewed for the updated guidelines found that hearing aid use was associated with a 17% to 27% lower risk of cognitive decline or dementia.[2]

It’s encouraging to hear that something within our control could have such an impact, and an important one to understand in context.

The WHO describes this as a conditional recommendation, as the certainty of the evidence is still considered low. Hearing aids are not a way to prevent dementia, and they should not be used for that purpose alone. Instead, the new guidance reinforces a broader message: identifying and addressing hearing loss matters, not only for hearing, but as part of supporting our overall health and quality of life as we age.

[2] WHO, Risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia: WHO guidelines, second edition (updated 15 July 2026)

At Amplifon, we see every day how much hearing can shape the way people experience life.

It’s being able to follow the conversation around the dinner table. Hearing a grandchild tell you about their day. Enjoying a favourite television program without constantly adjusting the volume. Feeling confident joining friends in a busy café.

These everyday moments are why taking care of our hearing matters.

And because hearing loss often develops gradually, it can be easy to adapt without realising something has changed. You might start turning up the television. Busy environments may become more difficult. You may ask people to repeat themselves more often, or feel as though everyone around you has started mumbling.

Recognising these signs, and doing something about them, can be an important first step.

There’s no single action that can prevent dementia, and many of its risk factors cannot be changed. But as our understanding of potentially modifiable risk factors continues to grow, the latest WHO guidance is another reminder that looking after our hearing shouldn’t be something we put off.

And taking the first step can be simple.

Just like having your eyes or teeth checked, making hearing checks part of your regular health routine can help you understand how your hearing is changing over time.

At Amplifon, our hearing care professionals can check your hearing, explain your results and, if hearing loss is identified, help you understand the options available to you.

Because hearing well is about more than hearing sounds clearly. It’s about staying involved, staying connected and continuing to enjoy the moments that make everyday life meaningful.

This Dementia Action Week, take a moment to think about your hearing too.

Book a free hearing check at your local Amplifon clinic and take a simple step towards looking after your hearing and overall wellbeing.