Hearing Loss

Hearing and Dementia

The connection between dementia and hearing is perhaps not commonly known, but the evidence that there is a relationship is very secure.

While we don’t fully understand the processes of cause and effect, which is complex, it is believed that untreated hearing loss is a problem because of decreased environmental stimuli. There are also psychosocial factors such as loneliness, depression, and social isolation caused or exacerbated by not being able to hear and participate fully.

The good news is, that wearing hearing aids (or taking other steps as recommended by your audiologist) do help. Hearing aid use has been shown to be protective against dementia and slows deterioration rates after hearing aid use begins.

So the message is clear – check your hearing and take steps if issues are found – and encourage those around you to do the same!

• Alzheimer’s Research UK has a wealth of information on the link between dementia and hearing loss, which you can read here.
• To arrange for a free hearing test, your first point of call is your GP. You can read more about the process and what is available in Jersey. here: Hearing aids and tests