Public awareness of the hearing loss-dementia link and self-reported behavioral changes in middle- to older-aged Canadians

Hearing loss is a potential risk factor for dementia, but public awareness of this link and its behavioral implications remain poorly understood. In a cross-sectional survey, 1,404 Canadians aged 44-97 years completed measures of awareness, subjective hearing and cognition, dementia-related concerns, perceptions of the link, and demographics. 28% of people were aware of the hearing loss-dementia link. Of these, 17% were more inclined to seek/continue hearing-loss treatment. Awareness and self-reported behavioral responses were over twice as prevalent in a health-engaged subsample. Education, dementia concern, older age, and female gender were associated with awareness. Among aware participants, dementia concern, poorer subjective cognition, and confidence in understanding the link, but not education, were associated with reported treatment inclination. Awareness thus follows socioeconomic and demographic gradients, but these alone do not appear to ensure behavior change. Communication may need to reach beyond health-engaged groups and prioritize accurate understanding over awareness.