Researchers are proposing several reasons why hearing aids might help to reduce your chance of experiencing cognitive decline (dementia) -- from physical to social to psychological reasons -- but whatever small steps can be taken to avoid this affliction is something to consider. 

Plus, nowadays you can get hearing aids that are either so small they are unnoticeable or they simply look like bluetooth earbuds. 

According to the World Health Organization, there are nearly 10 million new cases of dementia diagnosed every year, and if you've ever watched a loved one sink deeper and deeper into dementia you know it's a battle every day. 

It's definitely worth keeping an eye (and an ear) out for more developments on the connection between hearing and cognitive decline.