According to a study published in JAMA Neurology in fall 2024, veterans with hearing loss could be at a greater risk for developing Parkinson’s disease, a nerve disorder that impacts movement.1
Approximately one million people in the U.S. have Parkinson’s, with veterans disproportionately affected by the disease.1
The Study Details
Researchers from the VA Portland Health Care System and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) used medical records from the Department of Veterans Affairs to take a closer look at the over seven million U.S. veterans who completed an audiogram between January 1, 1999, and December 30, 2022.
The researchers uncovered the following:
- Individuals with hearing loss have a much higher risk of experiencing Parkinson’s as an older adult.
- Those with the most severe hearing loss appear to have the highest risk of developing Parkinson’s.
The Impact of Hearing Aids
Researchers also examined whether wearing hearing aids could lower the risk of Parkinson’s. They determined that people who started using a hearing aid within two years of their abnormal audiogram significantly lowered their risk of developing the disease—however, more research is needed.
“We still have much to learn about how hearing loss contributes to the disease and how hearing aids might work to lower one’s risk for getting PD,” said lead author Lee Neilson, MD, an assistant professor of neurology in the OHSU School of Medicine and a staff neurologist for the Portland VA.2
The Bottom Line
Based on this study, veterans should undergo regular hearing testing to identify hearing loss early and start using hearing aids as soon as possible if a loss is detected. Of course, this hearing health advice is a good idea for everyone, not just veterans.
“Considering there are few downsides to getting screened and fitted for a hearing aid, we would encourage everyone to do it,” said Dr. Lee.
At Midwest Hearing, we’re committed to providing high-quality hearing care to our whole community, including our veterans. Call (651) 770-1363 to schedule a hearing evaluation.
1 Neilson, Lee E., et al. Hearing Loss, Incident Parkinson Disease, and Treatment With Hearing Aids. JAMA Neurol. 2024 Dec 1;81(12):1295-1303. doi: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2024.3568. PMID: 39432289; PMCID: PMC11581660.
2 Choy, N. (2024). Study finds link between hearing loss and Parkinson’s disease in Veterans. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. https://www.va.gov/portland-health-care/stories/study-finds-link-between-hearing-loss-and-parkinsons-disease-in-veterans/