How early detection of poor hearing and vision loss in elderly can help positively impact the symptoms of dementia
Did you know in the UK, it’s estimated that 7 million adults need hearing aids but only 2 million use them with research indicating that people with hearing loss not using hearing aids have a higher risk of dementia.
If vision and hearing loss symptoms are not treated, especially in elderly people, this can often mean that they socialise less as it becomes harder to interact in a group. Less social interaction can lead to a reduction of sensory inputs that stimulate the brain, like recognising faces, reading, taking part in group conversations, and less physical activity.
This is why vision loss and hearing loss are linked closely to dementia, and early intervention can help reduce the risk or severity of dementia.
Early detecting and management, through regular eye test, of poor vision or conditions such as cataracts, or diabetes, means that they can be treated and therefore slowing the cognitive decline that may otherwise occur.
Hearing tests can also highlight the need for a hearing aid, and there is evidence to suggest that hearing aids can reduce the impact of dementia.
In the UK, it’s estimated that 7 million adults need hearing aids but only 2 million use them, and research indicates that people with hearing loss not using hearing aids had a higher risk of dementia, including the most common type – Alzheimer's disease.
Claire Saywell, Head of Clinical Development at Bayfields, has shared steps to prevent and treat hearing loss to reduce dementia-risk, and says “Hearing aids can have a positive impact on the early onset of dementia as the extra volume they provide creates extra stimulus in the brain.”
1) Protection is better than cure
In the modern age, there are more and more hearing hazards to contend with – and many are unaware of the significant impact loud noises and the overuse of headphones can have on our hearing long term.
Having an awareness of this, and taking steps to protect your hearing is crucial to prevent damage. Limiting exposure to loud noises, wearing ear protection and avoiding excessive usage of headphones or earbuds at high volumes are everyday tactics which can be taken to maintain the quality of our hearing as we get older.
2) Speak to a professional
It’s important to always seek professional help as early as possible, when you start noticing a difference to your hearing, so an audiologist can identify the cause of hearing loss and recommend the best solution.
An audiologist can assess the cause of hearing loss, which could be something as straightforward as build up of wax, or something more long term. If a hearing aid is required, they are best fitted early on as when hearing loss has progressed, the amplification of sound can be uncomfortable and even ineffective.
3) Embrace hearing technologies
As the research demonstrates, many people are reluctant to wear a hearing aid, even if they’re aware of the benefits. But there are many options available on the market today, including invisible extended wear hearing aid solutions which we provide at Bayfields, which means enhancing your hearing is more simple and discreet than ever before.
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