Connections between loss of hearing and brain health have been put under the microscope recently showing a considerable risk of dementia developing when midlife hearing loss is left untreated. One in six Australians have hearing loss which can start at any time in life but is particularly common in older adults. Approximately one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss. Nearly 50% of those aged over 75 have difficulty hearing. What is the connection to dementia?
A recent study about dementia risk factors was commissioned and published by The Lancet, one of the most prestigious medical journals in the world. The study was presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in London two weeks ago.
The study split the causes for dementia into those with non-modifiable and potentially modifiable risk factors. Of the modifiable risk factors – i.e. the risks we might be able to reduce – the study showed midlife hearing loss to be the highest likelihood in contributing towards dementia – 9%.
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“Hearing loss can lead to social isolation.” says Audiologist Claire Crichton from Edgecliff Hearing, “People withdraw from social activities, going places with their families and into more challenging listening environments… that can prevent the brain from functioning well and stimulating the brain.”
“We all have this innate understanding of the rules of language that enable us to ‘get by’ with hearing loss as it gradually deteriorates,” continues Audiologist Phillippa Hunt, “but you can only take this to a certain level. After that, once background noise starts getting in the way, you’re so busy trying to fill in the gaps retrospectively that you just become lost… “
Audiologist Merren Davies agrees. “Someone may be very sociable, loves to go out but, as their hearing loss progresses they withdraw socially because it becomes too difficult. They can’t follow dialogue, they get the wrong end of the stick and because of that embarrassment, they start to withdraw.”
Isolation reduces brain activity and can often bring on depression. Both these connotations can be contributing factors to the onset of Dementia.
The authors of the study comment that acting to reduce your risk of the factors isn’t a guarantee to prevent dementia but say it will help.
By testing hearing on a regular basis with a qualified audiologist you can keep track of your hearing and add early preventative measures if and when needed. Dementia aside, maintaining hearing in the best possible state can add a quality of life you may have been missing if your hearing has been quietly deteriorating. It can bring back your confidence to work and to socialise keeping you productive and happy.
At Edgecliff Hearing you can book direct for a hearing test – no need for a referral from a GP.
Interested in a hearing test? Contact Edgecliff Hearing offices for an appointment. We are fully independent so can advise if hearing support is needed and what will be the best fit to suit your requirements and budget.
Interested in reading the study on the connection between Dementia and Hearing Loss? Click here to request the Lancet study including your email address and we can send you a copy.
Article from the BBC about the study.
Article from Australia’s ABC about the study.