Hearing loss and dementia are closely linked. Research shows that hearing loss can raise the risk of dementia, while using hearing aids may help lower that risk. Although hearing aids can’t cure Alzheimer’s disease, they may slow its progression. Studies show that older adults with dementia who use hearing aids when needed cut their rate of cognitive decline almost in half over three years.

Besides possibly slowing Alzheimer’s, hearing aids can help your loved one’s ability to understand and communicate, and enjoy activities like listening to music.

Choosing the right hearing aid for your loved one takes some thought. New hearing aid models offer a wide range of sizes and features. Here are some tips to get started on your search.

1. Think Carefully About Size

Some people prefer hearing aids that fit inside the ear canal because they’re less noticeable. This may or may not be important to your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease.

In-canal hearing aids are the smallest type. While they’re less visible to other people, they also have some downsides. For example, they’re more likely to get clogged with earwax. They also use tiny batteries that don’t last as long and can be tricky to replace.

Other types of hearing aids fit in the ear or on the outer ear. Some sit in the ear as a full shell (covering most of the outer ear) or a half shell (just the lower part of the outer ear). Other styles sit behind the ear. Some of these may hook over the top of the ear, for more support.

In general, larger hearing aids offer more features, like volume control and rechargeable batteries. That can make them easier for caregivers to manage and more reliable for someone with memory problems. Replacing tiny batteries on smaller hearing aids can require multiple steps, which are difficult for people with dementia to follow. Instead, choosing a hearing aid with a rechargeable battery will make it easier to keep it powered up for longer. Some brands offer up to 30 hours of battery life. These larger hearing aids can also amplify sound more, which is needed in cases of more profound hearing loss.

2. Discuss Settings With an Audiologist

An audiologist is a hearing care professional. They’re trained and up to date on the latest hearing aid technology. They often have experience working with age-related hearing loss and with people who have dementia.

Background noise can be especially distracting for those who already struggle with cognitive impairment. Different hearing aids handle background noise in different ways. Research shows that background noise may be harmful to the aging brain.

No hearing aid can completely eliminate background noise. However, smaller hearing aids tend to do a better job at blocking out noise from the wind. Some hearing aids come with telecoils, which improve sound quality on phone calls. Telecoils also help pick up certain signals that may be used in public places like churches, airports, and theaters.

Another helpful option is directional microphones. Hearing aids with directional microphones allow the person to focus on sounds coming from one direction. For example, if they’re in a noisy environment like a restaurant, they may choose to amplify the voice of the person sitting across from them. This feature can make it easier to have a conversation without getting frustrated or distracted.

An audiologist can help you choose hearing aids with features that are helpful without being too complicated for your loved one to use. You may also want to consult a neurologist to make sure your loved one’s cognitive impairments and hearing loss are addressed together.

3. Look for Helpful Safety Features

Some hearing aids include safety features like medical alerts to help keep people with dementia safe. For example, you can get hearing aids that notify you if the person wearing them falls. This feature can give you peace of mind when your loved one is out of sight.

If your loved one already uses a medical alert bracelet or similar device, you might not need this feature in a hearing aid. Still, as hearing aids continue to advance, new safety and smart features may become available. Keeping up with the latest options can help you find the right fit based on your loved one’s needs.

4. Include Loss Prevention and Protection

Hearing aids can be expensive, and memory loss from dementia can make them easier to misplace. Medicare or Medicare Advantage may cover hearing exams and, in some cases, hearing aids, but you may still have out-of-pocket costs. To protect your investment, check whether the hearing aid comes with a warranty in case it’s lost or damaged.

Clothing clips can help your loved one keep track of their hearing aids when they’re not wearing them. Some hearing aids also have a “find my hearing aid” feature to help you locate them if they go missing. If your loved one lives in a nursing home or assisted living facility, consider attaching a small label with their name and your contact information to their hearing aids.

You might also want to look into insurance for hearing aids to help cover the cost of replacing them if needed. It’s a good idea to have a plan for what to do if a hearing aid gets lost —so you’re not left stranded if (or when) it happens.

5. Follow Up on Your Hearing Aid Selection

Some hearing aids are available over the counter without a prescription. While these might work for some people, they’re usually not a good choice for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Instead, it’s best to get a hearing test and recommendation from a healthcare professional.

Finding the right hearing aid is just the first step. Over time, your loved one’s hearing may change. That’s why routine hearing exams are so important. These checkups can tell you if your loved one has developed more severe hearing problems. They also give you a chance to see if the device is still working properly, or if there are any new hearing aids that might be a better choice.

Since Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, it’s important to stay flexible. Your loved one’s needs — and what they can manage — may change over time. You’ll need to consider what type of hearing aid your loved one will feel more comfortable wearing every day and is less likely to remove. After all, the best hearing aid is the one the wearer will actually wear and use regularly.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myALZteam, the social network for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. Members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share stories with others who understand life with Alzheimer’s disease.

Have hearing aids improved your loved one’s social engagement and well-being? If so, how did you find the best fit for them? Share in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.