According to Alzheimer’s Research UK, there are 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK today. The condition is a problem that is set to worsen in the coming years with over one million sufferers predicted by 2025.
There are many factors that can increase the likelihood of developing dementia and this appears to include auditory markers. A number of medical studies have found that mature adults with hearing loss are more likely to develop dementia compared to those with normal hearing.
What’s the link?
As yet, despite there being several credible theories, there is no one definitive explanation for why there appears to be a direct link between hearing loss and dementia.
The most widely considered theory is that over-straining the ears to hear may tire the brain and lead to cognitive overload, leaving the elderly more vulnerable to dementia. Another possible cause is social isolation as a result of hearing loss – sufferers of hearing loss are more likely to withdraw from social gatherings and this lack of engagement has been found to be a risk factor for dementia.
What to do if you think you’re developing hearing loss
The first step if you think you are developing hearing loss is to not panic. Hearing loss doesn’t necessarily mean cognitive decline. It is extremely common for hearing to decline as we age – indeed it’s a natural part of the ageing process.
When we are born we have around 15,000 hair cells but as we go through life’s journey, these hair cells decrease and because there are fewer hair cells, hearing gets harder. In fact, age is the main cause of hearing loss in the UK; approximately three quarters of people with hearing loss in the UK are over 60.
Action on Hearing Loss claim that if hearing loss could be properly diagnosed and managed in people with dementia, at least £28 million could be saved in delayed entry to care homes. It’s about managing the condition correctly.
Signs of hearing loss
Because age-related hearing loss develops over a long period of time, it can be surprisingly hard for sufferers to detect it. Here are some of the signs to look out for:
- Ringing in the ears
- Unable to hear normal household sounds
- Difficulty dealing with background noise
- Technology set to maximum volume
- Relying on lip reading
How to correctly manage hearing loss
Although hearing loss is prevalent in those over 60, the majority will not experience any symptoms of cognitive decline or dementia. More often than not, those who develop dementia through hearing loss do so because they fail to treat and manage their hearing loss properly. This puts more strain on the remaining hair cells – making the problem worse.
There is no cure for presbycusis (age-related hearing loss), but hearing aids can help improve hearing. The best way to diagnose and treat sensorineural hearing loss is to visit a hearing professional for a full evaluation. That’s why it’s recommended for those over 50 to have their hearing tested. The sooner the hearing loss is recognised, the sooner you can stop its progression.
We still have much to learn about the treatment and prevention of dementia, so discovering information such as the link between the condition and hearing loss is an important part of the battle to prevent and manage this cruel illness.
Hearing tests in Leicester
The Hearing Centre is a specialist centre dedicated to solving hearing problems in Leicester. As well as a hearing test, our centre provides hearing aid fittings, wax removal, tinnitus treatments, noise protection and swimming protection services.
To book your hearing test click here or call us today on 0116 254 3909.
