Page 97 - LCNL Diwali Magazine

HAPPY DIWALI RAGHUVANSHI 2023 - 2024

2) Common Cause
Both hearing loss and cognitive impairment are the result of common neurodegenerative factors (genetics, cardio-
vascular, diabetes, hypertension) independent of each other.
3) Changes to Brain Structure

Hearing loss is correlated to decreased neural activity including smaller brain volume and dysfunctions in the white
matter tracts. Degeneration of white matter tracts has been identified in the early stages of dementia in patients
with Alzheimer’s type.

4) Reduced Social Stimulation
This theory posits untreated hearing loss leads to auditory deprivation, social isolation and depression affecting
structural changes in the brain and reduced brain volume causing poorer overall cognitive performance.
Hearing health and reducing risk

Due to an increasing number of individuals surviving into old-age, recognising, and managing risk factors
contributing to the development of dementia is a public health priority. Evidence suggests that managing hearing
loss could reduce or delay the impact of dementia. It is therefore important to check our hearing regularly. Over
40% of people over 50 have hearing loss, which increases to 71% of over 70-year-olds, therefore checking our
hearing in mid-life is especially important.
Once hearing loss is diagnosed, it can be managed with hearing aids. Hearing aids can significantly increase people’s
ability to take part in everyday life and communicate with friends and family, improving people’s wellbeing. This
potentially reduces the risk of depression and social isolation and slows cognitive decline.
Hearing aids are available on the NHS and privately. There are many different styles of hearing aids including
rechargeable and custom-made models, which have various features and technology to suit any type of hearing loss.

Figure 2. Rechargeable hearing aids

Conclusion
Public health campaigns need to support national adult hearing screening, encourage GPs to promptly refer older
adults who perceive hearing difficulties, raise awareness of the link between untreated hearing loss and dementia,
and most importantly emphasize a proactive approach to address hearing loss with the aim of healthy ageing.
Audiologists will therefore play a pivotal role in all aspects of care from the diagnosis of hearing impairment, to
counselling patients with regards to benefits of intervention and long-term management to realise the best possible
outcomes.

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