Researchers from the University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Centre are joining forces with Macquarie University and Cochlear to investigate whether hearing aids and cochlear implants could help slow cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia in older adults.

This collaboration is part of the HAVENS (Hearing impairment in Adults: Vitals, hEmodynamics, Neuroimaging and Sleep sensing) study, an Australian-first initiative supported by the NSW Smart Sensing Network’s (NSSN) Grand Challenge Fund. The project builds on the HALOS longitudinal study, which has tracked the health and social outcomes of 747 hearing device users across Australia since 2022.

While hearing loss has long been associated with increased risk of dementia, it is still unclear whether hearing interventions can actively protect the brain. The HAVENS study seeks to address this knowledge gap by collecting detailed physiological, neurological, and behavioural data from 140 hearing device users in Sydney.

Dr Zihao Tang, a Research Fellow of the Computational Neuroimaging research team of the Brain and Mind Centre (BMC), says the contribution from the University of Sydney team will focus on developing AI-based methodologies and advanced neuroimaging techniques to support the quantitative analysis of this complex data.

“We are drawing on our deep expertise in neuroimaging and computational neuroscience to examine brain changes associated with hearing loss and the potential impact of interventions,” said Dr Tang.

AI to enhance the quality of Diffusion MRI

This research project, though in its early stages, focuses on developing advanced AI methods alongside state-of-the-art diffusion MRI analysis methodologies. Building on previously published work, our team aims to deliver precise and reliable structural connectivity analysis, addressing key limitations in conventional diffusion MRI processing and interpretation through AI-driven enhancements.

While the association between hearing loss and cognitive decline is established, this project aims to demonstrate the potential of hearing devices to help protect the brain from deterioration.

Why hearing matters for brain health

The HAVENS study is part of a wider Grand Challenge program supported by the NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN). Catherine Oates Smith, NSSN’s Human Health Lead, has emphasised the importance of preserving brain function through early intervention in hearing health.

“There’s increasing evidence that when we stop using the parts of the brain responsible for hearing and communication, we risk losing those functions—potentially accelerating cognitive decline,” said Oates Smith. “It’s a case of ‘use it or lose it’. This research aims to understand and interrupt that trajectory.”

The University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Centre remains at the forefront of multidisciplinary research focused on preventing neurodegenerative disease and advancing the science of brain health through innovative technology and collaborative partnerships.