Denworth, Lydia. “Hearing Aids May Lower Risk of Cognitive Decline and Dementia.” Scientific American, 29 Nov. 2023, www.scientificamerican.com/article/hearing-aids-may-lower-risk-of-cognitive-decline-and-dementia/.

Hearing loss is prevalent in America; over 50% of people 50 or older have it in some form. However, for people to ask for or be offered hearing tests is rather rare. This study shows that hearing damage changes the chemistry of the brain. Some of the effects include loss of grey matter, harder working memory areas, and more depleted cognitive reserves. Hearing loss has also been tied to higher health costs and social consequences such as isolation or loneliness.

This article is interesting because it covers an area where biotech could greatly expand and  be improved upon. Hearing aids do exist, but at wildly varying prices and qualities, which determine their ability and effectiveness. Many of them are also not yet wireless; technology that is common at this point in history. There is great space to invest and develop better hearing aids for many different needs of different people.