Improvements in healthcare and living standards over the years have seen an increase in life expectancy. With an ageing population we are seeing more people with hearing loss and dementia. It is estimated that nearly 1 million people are living with dementia in the UK (Dementia statistics hub, n.d.). Dementia is an umbrella term used for impaired memory, thinking and decision-making. It can be caused by a variety of diseases; the most common being Alzheimer’s disease.
Dementia cannot yet be cured. Instead, symptoms can be managed with medication and cognitive health worked on by taking part in structured cognitive activities. Research has identified however, that as much as 40% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by addressing certain risk factors, with hearing loss being the most significant risk factor in mid-life (Livingston et al, 2020).
There are certain theories regarding the relationship between hearing loss and dementia:
For these reasons, the early identification and management of hearing loss is considered crucial (WHO, 2021).
Evidence indicates that wearing hearing aids plays a role in protecting against dementia and is therefore actively encouraged (Livingston et al, 2020).
Wearing hearing aids can make communicating in social activities easier. An individual is therefore more likely to engage and participate, providing more stimulation to the brain. The brain is less likely to become overworked if it is receiving information it can understand. Hearing well leads to a healthier and better quality of life.
It’s important to remember that hearing aids are not just important as a preventative measure for dementia, they are also crucial for individuals already diagnosed with dementia and hearing loss. Imagine how much a hearing loss would further increase confusion, disorientation and emotional distress.
There are a number of things to consider and get right when selecting a hearing aid and this couldn’t be more important for someone living with dementia. Here at Private GP Clinic we spend as much time as is needed to match the hearing aid to the person. Here is a list of some things that can be beneficial for a hearing aid user who is living with dementia:
References:
Deal, J.A., Reed, N.S., Kravetz, A.D., Weinreich, H., Yeh, C., Lin, F.R. & Altan, A. (2019). Incident hearing loss and comorbidity. A longitudinal administrative claims study [online]. Available from https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/fullarticle/2714050 [Accessed 17 May 2024].
Dementia Statistics Hub (n.d.). Statistics about dementia: prevalance [online]. Available from https://dementiastatistics.org/statistics-about-dementia/prevalence-2/ [Accessed 17 May 2024].
Livingston, G. et al (2020). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission [online]. Available from: https://www.thelancet.com/article/S0140-6736(20)30367-6/fulltext [Accessed 17 May 2024].
Resnick, S. & Ferrucci, S. (2014). Hearing loss linked to accelerated brain tissue loss [online]. Available from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/hearing_loss_linked_to_accelerated_brain_tissue_loss_ [Accessed 17 May 2024].
World Health Organization. (2023). Deafness and hearing loss [online]. Available from: https://www.who.int/health-topics/hearing-loss#tab=tab_1 [Accessed 17 May 2024].
Ear Wax Removal Clinic
2nd floor
Madeira Road
West Byfleet
Surrey KT14 6DH
3 Broomfield Hall Buildings
London Road
Sunningdale
Ascot
SL5 0DP
37 Peach Street
Wokingham
Berkshire
RG40 1XJ
72 Castle Street
Farnham
GU9 7LP
Private GP Clinic
1 Castlefield Road
Reigate, Surrey
RH2 0SA
Health Hub
The Chantry Centre
Andover
SP10 1RL
94-102 High St
Hampton Hill
Hampton TW12 1NY
266 Upper Richmond Road
Putney
SW15 6TQ
Ewell Road
Surbiton
KT6 6EZ