Treating Your Tinnitus and Preventing Decline
Dr Keith Darrow explains Treating Your Tinnitus and Preventing Decline.
Yes—treating tinnitus could help protect your brain. Here’s how.
Emerging research over the last decade has revealed a powerful connection between tinnitus, hearing loss, and an increased risk of dementia.
In fact, a 2020 landmark report published in The Lancet—one of the world’s most respected medical journals—found that up to 40% of dementia cases are preventable.
So, what does this have to do with your tinnitus?
A lot more than you might think.
The Connection: Tinnitus, Hearing Loss & Dementia
According to the European Dementia Commission, as well as research from Johns Hopkins Medical Center, hearing-related conditions like tinnitus may contribute to:
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Social isolation
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Brain shrinkage (cerebral atrophy)
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Cognitive overload (straining to hear)
All of these factors significantly increase the risk of memory loss and dementia.
Did you know?
People with untreated hearing loss are 2 to 5 times more likely to develop dementia.
– Dr. Frank Lin, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
The good news? Many of these risks are modifiable—meaning you can do something about them.
The 12 Lifestyle Factors That Help Prevent Dementia
The Lancet study identified 12 modifiable lifestyle risks. And yes—treating tinnitus and hearing loss tops the list.
1. Early Treatment of Hearing Loss & Tinnitus
Don't ignore the ringing. Treating hearing-related conditions supports brain health by improving sound processing and reducing cognitive strain.
2. Higher Education
Continuing to challenge your brain builds cognitive reserve—making your brain more resilient to decline.
3. Stop Smoking
Smoking contributes to inflammation, vascular damage, and amyloid plaque buildup in the brain.
4. Manage Depression
Depression and dementia often overlap. Seeking support early can help protect your long-term brain function.
5. Stay Socially Active
Social isolation increases dementia risk. Stay connected, talk to friends, join groups—keep your brain engaged.
6. Prevent Traumatic Brain Injuries
Wear seatbelts, helmets, and take fall precautions to avoid head injuries that raise dementia risk.
7. Stay Physically Active
Exercise boosts cardiovascular and brain health. Even walking regularly makes a difference.
8. Control Hypertension
High blood pressure strains the vascular system and is strongly linked to vascular dementia.
9. Reduce Air Pollution Exposure
Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter may increase cognitive decline—especially in urban areas.
10. Manage Diabetes
Diabetes is closely tied to dementia risk due to its effect on brain function, blood flow, and insulin resistance.
11. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Obesity contributes to inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and sleep apnea—all of which harm brain health.
12. Limit Alcohol
A drink here and there is okay—but excessive alcohol use is a well-known contributor to dementia.
Take Action: Protect Your Brain and Hearing
Tinnitus may not be curable—but it is highly treatable. And treating it may do more than reduce the ringing—it could protect your cognitive future.
Your next step:
Talk to your hearing healthcare provider about how to treat your tinnitus and protect your brain.
You may be able to lower your dementia risk—starting today.
Final Thoughts: Make the Smart Choice for Your Brain
We can’t promise you’ll prevent dementia entirely, but science shows we can dramatically reduce the risk through lifestyle choices.
And it starts with addressing your tinnitus.
Your brain is worth protecting. Your future is worth investing in.
Learn more at GetTinnitusTreatment.com
We hope you now have and understanding of Treating Your Tinnitus and Preventing Decline.
