MINNEAPOLIMEDIA COMMUNITY HEALTH MATTERS: Protecting Memory Through Hearing - What New Research Reveals

MINNEAPOLIMEDIA COMMUNITY HEALTH MATTERS: Protecting Memory Through Hearing: What New Research Reveals

An Interview with Dr. Rebecca Younk, Au.D.

By Tom Akaolisa | MinneapoliMedia 

In the recent edition of MinneapoliMedia: Community Health Matters, we reached out to an expert to discuss a groundbreaking research publication revealing a compelling connection between hearing aid use and dementia prevention. The study found that hearing-loss patients under the age of 70 who use hearing aids can reduce their risk of developing dementia by an astonishing 61% — a revelation reshaping how clinicians and patients view hearing care.

To gain deeper insight into what this means for community health, MinneapoliMedia sat down with Dr. Rebecca Younk for this month’s feature, “Protecting Memory Through Hearing – What New Research Reveals.”

Dr. Rebecca Younk, Au.D., is the owner and chief audiologist at Associated Hearing Care, which operates multiple clinics across Minnesota. With years of clinical experience, Dr. Younk is widely recognized for her expertise in diagnostic audiology, hearing aid technology, and rehabilitative hearing care. She is passionate about bridging the gap between hearing health and overall well-being, advocating for early intervention and patient-centered care that emphasizes quality of life, connection, and cognitive longevity.

In our conversation, Dr. Younk shares her professional perspective on this landmark research, the science behind hearing and memory, and why timely hearing care is an essential investment in lifelong health.

Tom Akaolisa:

Dr. Younk, this new research showing a 61% reduction in dementia risk for hearing-loss patients under 70 who use hearing aids is remarkable. How do you interpret this finding?

Dr. Rebecca Younk:

For audiologists, it’s incredibly validating. We’ve long known there’s a strong association between hearing loss and cognitive decline — but this study shows how intervention truly matters. Treating hearing loss early doesn’t just help people hear better; it helps them stay active, independent, and connected to their loved ones. Knowing that our care can help people stay healthier and in their homes longer — that really makes my heart warm.

Tom:

The study suggests the greatest protective benefit comes before age 70. How does this shape your conversations with patients in their 50s and 60s?

Dr. Younk:

It’s changed everything. I now talk not only about treatment but also prevention. Many of my patients are hunters, musicians, or work around loud equipment. I remind them that protecting your hearing before damage occurs is key — through custom earplugs for musicians, electronic hearing protection for hunters, or high-quality devices for noisy environments.

And when hearing loss does begin, early treatment is critical. Even “mild” hearing loss affects the brain. A study out of Colorado found that untreated hearing loss forces the brain to work harder — using areas outside the auditory cortex just to understand speech. When hearing is treated, brain activity returns to its normal regions. That means hearing aids don’t just help your ears — they protect your brain.

Tom:

Scientists suggest hearing aids help by reducing cognitive strain and keeping people socially connected. Which do you believe is most important?

Dr. Younk:

I’d say both — but if I had to choose, social connection is the heart of it. Humans are social beings. When people lose hearing later in life, they often start withdrawing — skipping church, avoiding restaurants, staying quiet at family gatherings because it’s too frustrating to keep up.

When we restore hearing, we restore connection. People rejoin life. That keeps the brain engaged and emotionally healthy — and that’s just as important as the neurological mechanisms at play.

Tom:

Stigma has long discouraged people from using hearing aids. How do you address that with your patients?

Dr. Younk:

Thankfully, the stigma isn’t what it used to be — thank you, AirPods! Everyone has something in their ears these days.

I remind my patients that untreated hearing loss makes life harder — they’re working overtime just to keep up in conversations, watching lips, filling in gaps. Hearing aids give them freedom. I tell them, “Give yourself grace — this isn’t about aging, it’s about living fully.”

Tom:

Should hearing aids be viewed as a health investment rather than a luxury expense?

Dr. Younk:

Absolutely. I often compare hearing loss to a spinal cord injury — both involve nerve damage. If you injured your spine, you’d use every tool available to recover mobility. Hearing loss deserves the same respect. Hearing aids should be seen as an essential investment in your cognitive and emotional well-being. They let you dance at your daughter’s wedding, hear your grandchildren laugh — moments you can’t put a price on.

Tom:

What about people with mild hearing issues who think they can wait?

Dr. Younk:

Even mild hearing loss changes the brain. The sooner you treat it, the better your brain adapts. For those just beginning to notice challenges, even AirPods or over-the-counter devices can help provide clearer sound signals. The goal is to keep the brain engaged and processing sound efficiently.

Tom:

Some assume hearing loss is just part of aging. How do you reframe that?

Dr. Younk:

(Laughs) I like to joke with my patients — gray hair might be part of aging, but you don’t see me going gray! We all fight aging in our own ways. Using hearing aids helps you stay youthful — not because of vanity, but because you remain active and engaged. Sitting quietly and withdrawing ages you faster than any wrinkle.

Tom:

With over-the-counter hearing aids becoming more common, can people skip professional care?

Dr. Younk:

There’s room for both. A recent study compared over-the-counter, hybrid, and prescription hearing aids. It found that while all improved audibility, those fitted by professionals led to higher long-term satisfaction and daily use.

People who start with OTC devices often come to us later when they want more customization or support. Audiologists also help with things like Bluetooth pairing, fine-tuning, or maintenance. For children or complex cases, professional care is absolutely non-negotiable.

Tom:

What’s the biggest challenge you face in helping patients access care?

Dr. Younk:

Insurance. Navigating coverage is incredibly complex. Minnesota recently mandated hearing aid coverage for adults under 65, which helps, but Medicare still excludes it. So for older adults, many pay out of pocket unless they have a Medicare Advantage plan.

For those who can’t afford devices, there are wonderful programs — Lions Club, Miracle-Ear Foundation, Beltone — that help cover costs. Just recently, we fit a woman in our Winona clinic through Lions Club funding, and she paid nothing out of pocket. Partnerships like these truly change lives.

Tom:

What early signs should people in their 50s and 60s watch for?

Dr. Younk:

The first is tinnitus — ringing, humming, or buzzing in the ears. Another is trouble understanding speech in noisy places like restaurants. Or needing captions for TV. Often, family members notice the issue first. Our brains are clever and adapt, but that can delay care. Early testing makes all the difference.

Tom:

Finally, what message would you leave with our readers about hearing, memory, and lifelong brain health?

Dr. Younk:

Get your hearing checked. Don’t wait until you struggle. See an audiologist who can advise you on prevention, hearing protection, and treatment options. Sometimes it’s as simple as using a soundbar or adjusting your environment — small changes that help you stay connected, confident, and cognitively sharp.

Staying connected to life and loved ones is the best medicine for your brain.

Tom:

Dr. Younk, thank you for sharing your time, passion, and expertise with our readers.

Dr. Younk:

Thank you! This conversation makes my heart happy. I became an audiologist because I believe in keeping people connected to each other. That’s what this work is all about.

Closing Note

At MinneapoliMedia, we believe community awareness is the first step toward better health. Hearing care isn’t just about sound — it’s about memory, connection, and the quality of life we share. If you or someone you love is noticing changes in hearing, take that first step today. Protect your hearing. Protect your mind. Protect your future.

MinneapoliMedia