Hi Lara
I also heard a detailed discussion about the most recent study on our local NPR today.
They emphasized the negative impact on pathways that are not used in the brain when the level of hearing decreases, so less information processing and speech recognition, which in turn seems to then start impacting the brain zones for cognition.
They did also mention the social aspects, but seemed far more focused on the neural pathways impacted when hearing loss occurs, and that link to cognition.
Obviously much more detailed research is needed, but with hearing aids finally affordable OTC here, instead of the silly RX $$ previously, it seems it may be helping with more than just hearing better.

I'll see if they have a transcript or article up and link it.
The one I linked had a variable series of studies included, not just the recent one.