Japan turns to hearing loss detection in push to prevent dementia
Japan’s aging population is placing increasing strain on its healthcare and nursing systems. In response, local governments are exploring a novel approach to dementia prevention: the early identification of age-related hearing loss.
A Growing Concern
This strategy is gaining momentum across the country, spurred by research from abroad that establishes a connection between hearing loss and a heightened risk of dementia. Hearing tests are relatively simple to administer and offer the potential to identify individuals at risk sooner, which could ultimately reduce healthcare costs in communities with expanding elderly populations.
Early Detection in Action
In August of last year, a hearing testing event took place at a community center in Noshiro, Akita Prefecture. Approximately 30 residents participated, undergoing hearing evaluations alongside basic physical fitness assessments and cognitive function tests administered via tablet devices. Among the participants was 79-year-old Toshisada Otani, who attended after family members noticed he consistently set the television volume unusually high.
Test results revealed declines in both Otani’s hearing and cognitive abilities, prompting a recommendation to consult an ear, nose, and throat specialist. “I was disappointed,” Otani stated, “But without this opportunity, I would have ended up going to the hospital only after I had completely lost my hearing.”
The Science Behind the Connection
According to the Japanese Society of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, age-related hearing loss stems from the gradual deterioration of hair cells within the ear, which are responsible for detecting sound. Roughly half of individuals aged 75 and older are estimated to experience some degree of hearing loss.
The link between hearing loss and dementia risk has been underscored by international research. A 2024 report from a committee associated with the British medical journal The Lancet identified 14 dementia risk factors, including smoking and insufficient exercise. The report indicated that addressing all 14 factors could potentially prevent or delay up to 45 percent of dementia cases. Notably, hearing loss was identified as the most significant risk factor, comparable to high levels of LDL cholesterol.
Expanding Initiatives
The Akita prefectural government initiated a pilot testing program in fiscal 2025, commissioned by Akita University’s Advanced Research Center for Geriatric and Gerontology. Community centers and city halls were chosen as accessible testing locations. Beyond Akita, support for addressing age-related hearing loss as a component of dementia prevention is expanding nationwide.
However, the cost of hearing aids – typically ranging from 100,000 yen ($630) to several hundred thousand yen per ear – presents a financial obstacle for many elderly individuals. To alleviate this burden, local governments in Suzuka (Mie Prefecture) and Miyazaki City are offering subsidies for hearing aid purchases under specific conditions. Other municipalities, such as Okayama, are prioritizing screening and awareness campaigns, partnering with hearing aid manufacturers to deliver educational lectures as part of preventative care classes. Yamagata Prefecture utilizes a smartphone application to conduct hearing checks, advising individuals with results below 60 percent to seek medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss is caused by the gradual decline of hair cells in the ear, which are covered with tiny sound-detecting hairs, according to the Japanese Society of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.
What percentage of people over 75 are estimated to experience hearing loss?
About half of people aged 75 and older are estimated to experience hearing loss.
What did the 2024 Lancet report say about the potential impact of addressing dementia risk factors?
The report said that eliminating all 14 identified risk factors could potentially prevent or delay up to 45 percent of dementia cases.
As Japan seeks solutions to manage the increasing impact of dementia, policymakers and health officials are increasingly recognizing the importance of hearing health as a viable starting point for preventative measures.