Studies Show Dementia is Linked to Deafness

There is a very close link between hearing loss and dementia, according to thorough research undertaken by The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in the USA in 2013.

Scientists at the institute looked at 369 people who were aged between 36 and 90 years old across 18 years. None of the individuals had any cognitive conditions at the beginning, but those who then began to suffer from either mild, moderate or severe hearing loss had two, three, or five times of an increased chance of developing dementia respectively. These findings were comparable to those who retained normal hearing and remained irrespective of diabetes, high blood pressure and age.

In the report, researchers suggested that deaf people often feel socially isolated and this may be a major factor in causing dementia. Furthermore, with the brain being pressurised in trying to hear distorted sounds, this cognitive overload may lead to the development of the condition.

This news comes after another study in January 2013 revealed similar results, but also suggested that those who suffered from hearing loss had a faster rate of between 30 and 40 per cent in losing their memory. The sample of 1,984 adults had been analysed by Cardiff University since 1997, with scientists suggesting that by losing low-frequency noises, the individual should be wary of vascular conditions such as dementia, strokes and heart attacks.

Visit An Expert

According to the Daily Mail, a US study revealed that less than 15 per cent of people who should have hearing aids actually own one, with similar numbers projected in the UK. Leading experts are advising to visit your GP regularly if you find that you are experiencing a loss in hearing. You should ask your doctor for more information on the wide variety of hearing aids that are available.

Do not let dementia follow tomorrow. Get your hearing check out today. Call us to book a hearing test on 0800 40 2020, book online or pop into your local branch.