Bad News & Good News

Many recent studies have linked hearing loss to an increased risk of developing dementia.

Read on to see what you can do to minimise this risk.

The bad news: For many people, the difficulties associated with hearing loss can result in social isolation, while studies have also linked it to depression. Both are risk factors for dementia. About 900,000 Brits are living with hearing loss and over half of us will be affected by dementia, either by having it or caring for someone with it.

Poor hearing appears to force the brain to devote more effort to deciphering sounds, reducing its capacity for other activities such as memory. And that’s not all: “With hearing loss the parts of the brain that are stimulated by speech and sound become understimulated, which can lead to atrophy (shrinkage) and changes in brain structure and function.

According to the Lancet Commission on dementia prevention “It seems that, worldwide, hearing loss is the risk that contributes more to people developing dementia than any other”, says chairwoman Professor Gill Livingstone.

THE GOOD NEWS: A recent study published in The Lancet highlighted a clear intervention - wearing a hearing aid. Data from almost 440,000 volunteers dating back to 2006, found that people with untreated hearing loss were 42% more likely to develop dementia. Those with hearing loss but using hearing aids eliminated that increased risk. Livingstone notes that the brain takes time to adjust to wearing hearing aids and a study found that patients given extra support after being prescribed hearing aids were far more likely to do well with them. Their cognition, mood and memory appeared to improve too.

We take all the time necessary to ensure you adapt well to wearing hearing aids, offering all the support you need to ensure a successful outcome. Take the first step to better hearing today, call us today on 01202 985500 for a free hearing assessment.