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Hearing Loss Linked to Cognitive Decline, Study Finds

2/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers at Tiangong University and Shandong Provincial Hospital identify a neurobiological link between presbycusis and cognitive decline, measurable by the Functional-Structural Ratio (FSR).
The Functional-Structural Ratio measures brain integration for sound processing, memory, and decision-making.
As hearing worsens, brain connectivity declines and cognitive performance drops, suggesting that preserving hearing health may protect brain integrity and that FSR could serve as a biomarker for dementia risk.

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Story summary

Researchers at Tiangong University and Shandong Provincial Hospital identify a neurobiological link between presbycusis and cognitive decline, measurable by the Functional-Structural Ratio (FSR).
The Functional-Structural Ratio measures brain integration for sound processing, memory, and decision-making.
As hearing worsens, brain connectivity declines and cognitive performance drops, suggesting that preserving hearing health may protect brain integrity and that FSR could serve as a biomarker for dementia risk.