Hearing Loss and Dementia
Why are hearing checks crucial for you and your loved ones?
Can hearing aids help prevent Dementia?
Is there a link between Dementia and hearing loss?
In Australia, hearing loss is the second-most common health condition with 1 in 6 Australians affected. With more than 75% of Australians over 70 experiencing some degree of hearing loss, it is important to understand that hearing loss is a significant and potentially modifiable risk factor for the occurrence of cognitive problems in older adults, including dementia.
Research suggest that individuals with a mild hearing loss are twice as likely to develop dementia, and people with a moderate and severe hearing loss are three and five times more likely to develop dementia compared to those with normal hearing. Although, being at an increased risk, it is important to note that it does not mean that a person with hearing loss is definitely going to develop dementia.
However, the correlation between hearing loss and cognitive decline is hard to ignore when findings show that an estimate of decline in memory and thinking capabilities occurs 40% faster in those who suffer hearing loss compared to those with normal hearing. There is currently no exact reason to why hearing loss increases the risk of developing dementia, but there are a few theories which suggest why age-related hearing loss is linked and an associated risk factor.
3 Reasons hearing loss is linked to Dementia
Hearing loss may place an additional load on the brain as it requires more effort and has to overcompensate to process sounds, meaning there are fewer resources left for other cognitive functions and or these functions are weakened e.g. memory. Additionally, the strain and insufficient brain stimulation of hearing loss may lead to cognitive decline.
The cause and course of hearing loss and dementia may have common pathological pathways and therefore have joint processing affecting hearing and cognitive functions at the same rate.
People with hearing difficulties may be more susceptible to some degree of social isolation, which is known to heighten the risk of dementia.
Risk free prevention to hearing loss
On average it takes 7 years for someone with a hearing loss to seek help and only 1 in 5 Australians who could benefit from a hearing aid use one. That is a long time to let other mental and cognitive health related conditions develop and this needs to change. Especially considering there are readily available rehabilitative interventions, which are risk free.
Nowadays, hearing loss is more than just simply not being able to hear properly. Improving prevention, identification and treatment of hearing impairment may be critical for good cognitive health and could be a means of preventing and or delaying the onset of dementia.
In summary, hearing impairment could contribute to poor cognitive function due to the effect that hearing impairment has on one’s cognitive load, brain structure and decreased social engagement. As hearing loss often starts gradually and occurs silently, one often does not realise it is happening, making early detection and intervention difficult. Improved hearing is positively associated with a reduction in cognitive decline and is why routine hearing health checks are crucial.
Contact us today to discuss your hearing with our friendly team.
References
Dawes P, Maharani A, Nazroo J, Tampubolon G, Pendleton N (2019). ‘Evidence that hearing aids could slow cognitive decline in later life’, Hearing Review, vol. 26, No. 1, pp. 10-11.
Lin, FR & Albert, M (2014). ‘Hearing Loss and Dementia- Who’s Listening’?, Aging & Mental Health, vol. 18, no. 6, pp.671-673. doi.org10.1080/13607863.2014.915924
Lin FR, Metter EJ, O'Brien RJ, Resnick SM, Zonderman AB, Ferrucci L (2011). ‘Hearing loss and incident dementia’, Arch Neurol, vol. 68, no. 2, pp.214–220. doi: 10.1001/archneurol.2010.362
Strutt, P., Barnier, A., Savage, G., Wuthrich, V., Draper, B., & Brodaty, H. (2019). Hearing loss and Dementia Incidence in Australia: findings from the Sydney Memory and Ageing Study. 48. Poster session presented at Australian Dementia Forum, Hobart, Australia.
2006, Listen Hear! The economic impact and cost of hearing loss in Australia, Report for the Cooperative Research Centre for Cochlear Implant and Hearing Aid Innovation and the Victorian Deaf Society.