Researchers have known for years about the link between hearing loss and dementia.
Evidence has shown that people with hearing loss are up to five times as likely to develop dementia than those with normal hearing1 and that unaddressed hearing loss in mid-life is one of the highest modifiable risk factors for developing dementia.2
Now, a new UK study showing the positive effects of using hearing aids to minimize the progression of dementia is prompting one medical expert to advise people to get regular hearing checkups starting in their thirties.3
What the Study Found
According to Dr. Sarah Bauermeister, senior scientist at Dementia Platforms UK, the study followed 2,000 people with hearing loss and mild cognitive impairment.
“We found that these people, if they had hearing impairment and wore their hearing aid, the progression from mild cognitive impairment to dementia was reduced by 27%,” said Dr. Bauermeister.
The Earlier, the Better
After reviewing the study’s findings, Dr. Bauermeister believes people should access hearing health care sooner in life “so that it’s normalized to have a hearing check whether you’re 30 or 40.”
Since hearing loss occurs gradually over time, people may only notice they have it once it reaches an advanced stage. Identifying hearing loss as soon as possible is crucial—and as the new study shows, getting treatment with hearing aids can significantly impact more than just your ears.
The bottom line? The earlier you make hearing testing part of your health care routine, the better off you will be when it comes to your cognition.
Call (248) 844-2966 today to schedule a hearing evaluation.
1 John Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). The hidden risks of hearing loss. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss
2 The Lancet. (2017). Risk factors for dementia. https://www.thelancet.com/infographics-do/dementia-risk
3 Dorking, MC. (2023). Dementia could be prevented by regular hearing tests in your 30s, experts advise. https://ph.news.yahoo.com/dementia-prevented-regular-hearing-tests-in-thirties-093306755.html