Dementia & Hearing Loss As our life expectancy is increasing we need memory loss, repetition, disorganisation, to hear well for longer, but as we age so do a feeling of vacancy, loss of confidence our ears and hearing. By 2035, it is estimated and concentration, trouble socialising one in five of us in the UK will suffer from and making poor judgements. All of these hearing loss, but there is new very strong symptoms could be either as a result evidence that poor hearing is linked to of hearing loss or dementia. Correct dementia and additionally crucially patients diagnosis is vital. are being diagnosed with dementia when 5. Heart health affects both dementia and they might be suffering from hearing loss. hearing because of the importance of good blood flow. Good circulation helps Duncan Collet-Fenson, Head Audiologist maintain good hearing whilst inadequate & MD of Aston Hearing unravels the link blood flow and trauma to the blood between hearing and dementia and explains vessels of the inner ear can contribute what we can do to help both our hearing and to hearing loss. Similarly, research shows protect ourselves from dementia. that problems in the heart and vascular system including blood vessels that supply The Relationship between Hearing Loss and blood to the brain can contribute to the Dementia development of dementia. 1. Hearing loss is thought to increase the 6. At least £28 million could be saved annually risk of dementia - New research shows in England through properly managing that people who wear hearing aids for hearing loss in those with dementia. age-related hearing problems maintain better cognitive function and slow down What to do if you are not sure if it is Hearing the ageing of their brain. www.exeter. Loss or Dementia ac.uk/news/featurednews/title_725112_ • Signs to look for – Whilst they share many en.html. Hearing is vital mental symptoms, there are many early indications stimulation therefore loss of hearing can of dementia that can distinguish it from influence our brains making those over 65 hearing loss. Memory loss, repetition, more vulnerable to memory and thinking feelings of vacancy, loss of confidence and decline. Hearing loss is thought to increase concentration, trouble with socialising and the risk of dementia by up to five times. making poor judgements are all symptoms 2. Wearing a hearing aid may mitigate that of dementia. Signs of hearing loss include risk – Recent research shows that as earache, vertigo, unusual noises in ear, hearing loss is an important risk factor difficulty hearing on the phone, asking for for dementia, wearing a hearing aid if you repetition, struggling to concentrate in have age-related hearing loss may mitigate conversation or watching TV. that risk. Those who wore hearing aids for • See Your GP – By asking lots of questions age-related hearing problems had brains and perhaps performing various basic tests, that performed on average as if they were your GP could make an initial diagnosis to eight years younger. establish if there is hearing loss or if you or 3. Social isolation is a risk to dementia — your loved one is suffering from dementia. There are additional proven links between If your GP suspects hearing loss, they will hearing loss in middle age and a raised risk make a referral to an audiologist who will of dementia in later life, possibly because perform specialist tests to accurately assess deafness can lead to social isolation, a your hearing ability. dementia-risk factor. 4. Symptoms confusion — Many symptoms of If it is Hearing Loss hearing loss are also being misinterpreted 1. Only around 40% of people who need as early signs of dementia such as hearing aids have them. Many more
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Wendover News May 2020
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people could benefit from hearing aids than are currently doing so. We can only hope it won’t be long before attitudes start to change towards hearing technology. 2. Hearing technology is now extraordinary. We now have the ability to seamlessly stream phone calls and music straight to our hearing aid and many of them are barely visible. Some even allow you to text, translate languages, monitor your activity and even measure your blood pressure! 3. Check your hearing annually – Many of us avoid acknowledging anything to do with ageing. Shockingly, research has found that people generally wait 10 years before taking action against their hearing loss, but the sooner you seek help, the less impact hearing loss will have on your life. Having regular hearing checks, just as you would your sight, is vital. Well-managed hearing loss will help keep you young and can help protect you against dementia. 4. Excessive wax build-up can be a major problem for effective hearing. Microsuction is the safest method of wax removal and is highly recommended over ear irrigation. It involves using a suction device to remove the wax within the ear canal and is generally the most comfortable procedure as the device avoids contact with the skin. It is also unnecessary for the client to use any oil beforehand to loosen the wax. Wax removal is often no longer carried out by GPs on the NHS. 5. Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL), also known as sudden deafness, is a serious medical condition and requires immediate care, so if you have a sudden loss of hearing seek medical advice immediately. It typically occurs in only one ear but can appear in both. Around 50% of people with SSHL recover within two weeks if they receive prompt treatment. 6. Hearing loss - If struggling with hearing loss, hearing aids can limit the impact on you or your loved one’s life enabling you or them to live a normal day-to-day life. To find out more visit https://astonhearing. co.uk/.
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