How is hearing loss related to dementia?

John Hopkins university researchers have been trying to find if there are any predictors for who could be at risk for dementia. We already know that dementia can’t be treated or cured. So,what if we could detect who’s at risk for developing it and perhaps help them before it’s too late? You can read the results of their research study HERE.

Prevalence of dementia among the participants with moderate/severe hearing loss was 61 percent higher than prevalence among participants who had normal hearing.

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Hearing loss is related to dementia.

Hearing loss has been linked to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia in several studies. This relationship may be due to the decreased stimulation of the brain that occurs when hearing loss is present, which can lead to brain changes over time. Additionally, individuals with hearing loss may have difficulty communicating and socializing, which can lead to social isolation and cognitive decline. For people that can’t hear and understand conversations around them their mind has to work even more to fill in the gaps. Think of it like travelling somewhere where you know just a few words of the language. You’re only able to pick up some of the conversation. Undergoing periodic hearing tests can aid in detecting early indications of hearing loss, and it is comparatively simpler to address minor hearing loss before it escalates to a severe stage.

Early detection is key.

Detecting hearing loss early is crucial because it can significantly impact an individual's overall health and well-being. Untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation, depression, cognitive decline, and even physical health issues. Addressing hearing loss through appropriate interventions such as hearing aids can improve an individual's quality of life and prevent negative health outcomes.

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Your hearing health is a part of your overall wellbeing.

Individuals with untreated hearing loss may be at an increased risk of falls and accidents due to difficulties with balance and spatial awareness. This is because the inner ear plays a crucial role in balance and spatial perception, and when hearing loss is present, it can disrupt this process.

Without proper auditory input, the brain has a harder time interpreting spatial cues, which can lead to an increased risk of falls and accidents. Additionally, hearing loss can affect an individual's ability to hear warning sounds, such as car horns or alarms, which can also increase the risk of accidents. Therefore, addressing hearing loss through appropriate interventions can not only improve communication abilities and prevent negative mental health outcomes but also enhance an individual's physical safety and well-being.

Good hearing health is essential for maintaining a healthy social life.

Missing out on social interaction can lead to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia. Social interaction and engagement are crucial for maintaining optimal cognitive function and brain health.

When an individual experiences social isolation, they may become less likely to engage in activities that provide mental stimulation, such as conversation, problem-solving, and memory recall. Over time, this lack of stimulation can lead to brain changes that increase the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

Additionally, social interaction and engagement can provide emotional support and reduce stress, both of which are important factors for maintaining cognitive health. Stress has been linked to the development of dementia, and social interaction can help reduce stress levels.

Therefore, it is crucial to maintain social interaction and engagement throughout life to promote optimal cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia. Addressing hearing loss, which can contribute to social isolation, is one way to facilitate social interaction and maintain cognitive health.

How do you know if you have hearing loss?

  • Needing to increase the volume on the television or radio louder than others prefer can be a sign of hearing loss because it suggests that the individual is struggling to hear sounds at lower volumes. This could be due to damage to the hair cells found in the inner ear, which are responsible for detecting sound waves and transmitting them to the brain. If these hair cells become damaged, it may be more difficult to hear sounds at lower volumes, prompting the need to increase the volume. This may also cause difficulty in understanding conversation, especially in noisy environments. It's critical to seek medical attention if you notice any changes in your hearing, as there may be underlying conditions or factors that contribute to hearing loss. Our hearing care provider will evaluate your hearing and assess for indications of hearing loss at several frequencies to identify which sounds you may struggle with and how to best support your hearing.

  • Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds is an indication of hearing loss since the hair cells responsible for detecting these sounds are positioned deep inside the inner ear. These hair cells are particularly sensitive to damage caused by exposure to loud noises over time, aging, or medications. When these cells are damaged, the ability to detect high-pitched sounds, such as a doorbell or a child's voice, can be diminished. This is referred to as high-frequency hearing loss and is frequently one of the first symptoms of hearing impairment.

  • Frequently asking individuals to repeat themselves can be a warning sign of hearing loss since it indicates that the individual is having difficulty understanding what is being said. Hearing loss can make it harder to detect certain sounds or frequencies, which can result in speech sounding muffled or unclear. Consequently, individuals with hearing loss may need others to speak more slowly, loudly, or distinctly, or may need to ask them to repeat themselves many times to grasp what was said. This can be frustrating for both the person with hearing loss and the people they are conversing with. To determine if hearing loss is the root cause, it is advisable to schedule a hearing test with our practioner if you frequently ask others to repeat themselves.

  • The frequency of hearing tests can vary depending on a person's age, medical history, and other factors. However, it is generally recommended that adults should have a hearing test at least once every 2 years up to the age of 50, and then every year thereafter. People who are at higher risk of hearing loss, such as those who work in noisy environments or have a family history of hearing loss, may need to have more frequent hearing tests. It's always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider or a hearing care professional to determine the best schedule for your individual needs.