A new study finds that cognitive impairment begins in the earliest stages of age-related hearing loss — when hearing is still considered normal.

The study was published online today in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

Link Between Hearing Loss and Cognitive Impairment

Age-related hearing loss is one of the most common health disorders of aging, affecting two-thirds of those over age 70. However, few adults are tested for hearing loss, and even fewer are treated. Only 14% of adults with hearing loss in the United States wear hearing aids, the standard treatment.

Because studies show people with age-related hearing loss are more likely to have impaired cognition, it is thought that hearing loss may trigger cognitive decline.

But these studies have only examined people diagnosed with hearing loss, which is defined as the inability to hear sounds under 25 decibels (dB).

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Materials provided by Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.