Addressing hearing loss could reduce the risk of Dementia

In recognition of World Alzheimer’s Day, hearing aid provider, Oticon, explains why successfully addressing hearing loss could reduce the risk of early on-set dementia

For some time, it has been suspected that hearing loss and dementia are linked, and two studies have demonstrated a possible connection. These findings provide evidence supporting the theory that actively wearing aids, to help ease and encourage social interaction, has the potential to delay cognitive decline. 

The Alzheimer’s Society says that nearly 50 million people are living with Dementia worldwide while hearing loss was recently reported as the #1 modifiable risk factor contributing to dementia in a study authored by the Lancet commissions on Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and Care.

In fact, the research shows that effective treatment for hearing loss may reduce the risk of dementia by a significant 9%. That’s greater than quitting smoking (5%), getting treatment for depression (4%), exercising more (3%) and being free of the “dementia gene” ApoE4 (7%).

This was backed by further research published this year which confirmed strong links between hearing status and the risk of disability, dementia, and depression in older adults. The 25-year study, which looks at the effects of hearing problems on health, concludes that untreated hearing loss can increase the risk of developing dementia by 21%.

Most people would associate hearing with their ears, when in fact, better hearing starts with your brain. The brain manages sound and converts it into information that is comprehendible, however, hearing loss makes this process more demanding, especially in environments where there are lots of people speaking and background noise complicates the soundscape. Hearing loss essentially puts extra load on the brain as it works harder to ‘understand’, and without effective management can make a person feel tired, disengaged, even unmotivated.

Being socially active enables us to exercise and enhance our cognitive ability, keeping the brain healthy and active for longer. People who are hard of hearing often find social engagement challenging because of the side effects of the effort to hear and understand speech and would rather choose to avoid them. Unfortunately, this can lead to social withdrawal and isolation, effectively starving the brain of stimulation and potentially accelerating dementia.

“Hearing loss is a health condition which affects over 5% of the global population,” says Thomas Behrens, Chief Audiologist at Oticon.

“Sadly, many are living with their hearing loss completely unaware of the adverse effects that it could be having on their overall health. Socialising at family dinners, and on nights out with friends, is a great way to exercise the brain and with the help of hearing aids could help people living with hearing loss to reduce their risk of cognitive conditions, including dementia, especially in later life. Hearing well not only makes interaction possible, but also more enjoyable.”

Hearing aids compensate for hearing loss and with the importance of social interaction in mind, Oticon has developed Oticon Opn™. Setting a precedence for future hearing aid technology, as demonstrated by a dozen research findings, Opn™ hearing aids help the brain make sense of sound, helping people with a hearing impairment to communicate and actively participate where previously too difficult.

Oticon is also providing its Opn™ hearing aid users with data-driven hearing care. Oticon’s HearingFitness™ app aims to help people with hearing loss understand how their behaviour and hearing health habits can influence how effective their hearing aid is and encourages them to wear them so that they are more likely to lead a more full and active life.

Oticon commends the Alzheimer’s Society for asking us all to unite against dementia on World Alzheimer’s Day. It can take up to 10 years before a person seeks help for their hearing loss which is why Oticon hopes to promote that addressing hearing loss earlier, and consequently improving quality of life, could help retain brain health for longer.

For more on World Alzheimer’s day visit: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/world-alzheimers-day