Did you know that hearing loss can involve more than simply not hearing as well? Other than just needing to turn the TV volume up, hearing loss has also been linked to other issues, such as problems with balance, walking difficulties, and even cognitive decline. In this article, we explore the relationship between hearing loss and dementia and provide useful information for those affected or at risk.
Hearing loss is characterised as an impairment to detect certain sounds, pitches, and/or loudness which leads to an increased difficulty in processing sounds. It can be classified as mild, moderate, severe or profound and has many different types. The types of hearing loss are sensorineural, conductive, and mixed hearing loss and their causes can range from ageing to noise exposure, infections to genetics and more. Hearing loss can start at any age and may be present from birth (congenital hearing loss), but it’s more prominent from the age of 55. In fact, half of the world’s population over 55 years-old has hearing loss.
Dementia is an umbrella term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. There are many different types of dementia, and it is different from normal age-related cognitive decline. It can be caused by a variety of diseases that cause damage to brain cells, and different types of dementia are associated with different brain cell damage in particular regions of the brain.
Risk factors for developing dementia include:
In a study about the link between hearing loss and dementia, it was found that having hearing loss increases your risk of developing dementia. It may also be one of the early symptoms of dementia.
Untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation, reduced communication, and less cognitive stimulation. It can also impact a person’s cognitive load – straining to hear things and people might negatively impact memory and thinking skills. People with hearing problems may also be more likely to withdraw from social situations and become isolated. Social isolation and depression are both risk factors for dementia.
There are many symptoms of hearing loss, and they can cross over with some of the symptoms of dementia, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for a combination of the following symptoms to get medical assistance as quickly as possible.
If you or a loved one experiences a combination of these symptoms, especially if they come on suddenly or after hitting your head, ensure you seek medical help immediately.
It’s not always possible to prevent hearing loss and dementia, especially if they are linked to genetics. But there are some precautions you can and should take to protect your hearing, which, in turn, can help lower your risk of dementia. Early intervention and taking care of your hearing health are essential to your overall cognitive health management.
Developing hearing loss and dementia can be difficult and scary, but with the proper care and support, you or those you love needn’t feel isolated or scared.
No matter whether your hearing loss is mild or profound, many treatment options are available to help you regain some level of hearing and improve your quality of life. Hearing aids, cochlear implants, and communication strategies are all available options, with hearing aids being the most popular, easily accessible, and effective options.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment for dementia, as several different factors and diseases can cause it. Additionally, as it is often degenerative, it’s not a curable condition. However, there are some management and support options available for those affected. Medications, cognitive therapies, and lifestyle changes can also help with dementia symptoms. Ensuring you have a solid network of caregivers and support networks can be invaluable to those with dementia.
If you suspect that you or a loved one has dementia, make sure you see your GP as soon as possible.