Researchers have found that hearing loss may be a risk factor for developing dementia.
About one in four people over the age of 70 have hearing loss.
This is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting older adults.
As people age the hair cells in the inner ear which process sound can deteriorate leading to a reduced ability to hear.
This can be just part of the natural ageing process, noise exposure during the lifetime or health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease.
Why do we believe dementia and hearing loss are related?
Increased cognitive load: When someone has hearing loss their brain must work harder to process sounds, diverting resources from other cognitive functions such as memory and thinking. This may increase the risk of cognitive decline.
Social isolation: Adults who suffer from hearing loss tend to isolate themselves socially because they struggle to hear when out with their family and friends. It becomes ‘’easier’’ to just stay at home. Social isolation is another risk factor for dementia.
Brain changes: Studies are showing that untreated hearing loss may accelerate brain atrophy, in other words, the areas of the brain responsible for processing sound can shrink, which can also contribute to cognitive decline over time.
Can hearing aids help?
Research has indicated that using hearing aids may reduce the risk of cognitive decline in individuals with hearing loss.
Early intervention and management of hearing loss may help protect cognitive decline.
Hearing loss is one of the modifiable risk factors that may contribute to cognitive decline and one of the easier factors to manage.
Echuca Moama Hearing staff believe early intervention is the key to successful hearing aid use.
The younger you are, the easier it is to teach your brain how to use sound again.
The younger you are, the easier it is to learn how to use the hearing aids and have long-term success.
How do you know if you have hearing loss?
- Difficulty following conversations: struggling to keep up because ‘young people mumble and speak too quickly’.
- Difficulty hearing in background noise.
- Turning the volume up on the TV, radio or having to use the phone on speaker.
- Difficulty hearing high pitched sounds, eg door bells, alarms, women’s voices or children’s voices.
- Ringing in the ears (Tinnitus): this may be an early sign of hearing loss.
- Feeling tired from listening: this increases your cognitive load as your brain has to work harder to hear.
- Avoiding social situations.
- Difficulty hearing on the phone.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, arrange a full hearing test with an audiologist.
At Echuca Moama Hearing, staff can evaluate your hearing and recommend steps to manage or treat your hearing loss, including hearing aids if necessary.
Improve your quality of life by reducing social isolation and cognitive decline.
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