Mental decline can begin from the age of 45

Hearing loss can come about for a number of reasons and one of the primary ones is simply ageing.

Unfortunately, as we grow older some of our cognitive, mental ability can start to decline and that is often tied in with hearing loss.

Many people have to wear digital hearing aids because their brain simply can't work hard enough to process sound any longer. In fact hearing loss and cognitive decline have been linked very closely in recent studies.

A study in the US recently suggested that those who suffered most from hearing loss also saw the largest reduction in mental decline and further research from those at University College London revealed this can occur at a younger age than many often think.

The study, which is published in the British Medical Journal, found that decline can begin to manifest itself as early as 45 years old, showcasing the need to book in for a free hearing test whatever age you may be.

Previous research had found decline mainly began when people reached around 60 years old but latest tests showed a 3.6 per cent drop in mental reasoning among both women and men aged between 45 and 49.

Professor Archana Singh-Manoux, from the Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Population Health in France, led the research team and she told the

BBC that the study highlighted cognitive decline as an issue that can last for decades.

"We now need to look at who experiences cognitive decline more than the average and how we stop the decline. Some level of prevention is definitely possible," she said.

In terms of hearing loss, it highlights the importance of getting to grips with any problems you may be experiencing as early as possible.

It doesn't matter what age you are, as you can always call in to a branch of Leightons for an appointment or, if more convenient, we can come to you as part of our home hearing test service.