World Alzheimer’s Day which took place on Sunday might not have a big red circle round it on our home calendars, but one that certainly deserves our attention. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia in the UK. It’s a disease which causes nerve cells in the brain to become damaged, and over time can affect memory, problem-solving, language and behaviour.
It has such a devastating impact, not just on the individual, but on the wider family too. But for us here at RNID, this terrible disease doesn’t need a special day for it to be on our minds. And that’s because of the association between dementia and hearing loss. In the UK, around 18 million people live with hearing loss – that’s one in three of us – and nearly one million live with dementia.
It’s also estimated that around 20% of people over 50 globally live with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a condition that goes beyond normal ageing and can be a precursor to dementia. Whilst age and genetics are the biggest factors in dementia risk we can’t change, other factors, including hearing loss are also associated with the condition. Most people living with dementia or MCI also live with hearing loss and other hearing conditions.
These conditions are not just common – they’re growing. As life expectancy increases, so too does the number of us living with both dementia and hearing loss. It’s something that should make us sit up and take notice, but what does the science actually say? Well, the association between hearing loss and dementia is not well understood and is likely to be complex.
There’s growing evidence that managing hearing loss – for example by wearing hearing aids – could help reduce or even delay cognitive decline, particularly in people at higher risk. And for those already living with dementia or MCI, addressing hearing loss can improve communication, reduce isolation, and enhance overall quality of life.
And yet, whilst going to the dentist or opticians is part of regular every-day life and done almost automatically, the same really can’t be said for checking our hearing.
At RNID – the national charity supporting people who are deaf, have hearing loss, or tinnitus – we want to change this. One incredibly easy first step is our free online hearing check. It’s simple – you can do it on your smartphone or computer and all you need is headphones and a quiet spot. It takes just three minutes, and you’ll find out straight away if you need to see someone about your hearing.
We increasingly understand that if we are thinking about our health in the future, taking care of our hearing now is vital. But there are benefits to taking our hearing health seriously that can be felt almost immediately. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and I often hear from people diagnosed with hearing loss who wish they’d acted sooner. For lots of people, taking control of their hearing is a life-changing experience.
For example, wearing modern, high tech hearing aids (which are available to everyone free on the NHS) can have a profound impact on overall well-being, dramatically improving communication with friends, family, and colleagues. People rediscover forgotten sounds – like birdsong – engage more easily in social settings, and once again feel at the heart of conversations.
The effect on relationships can be just as powerful. Couples can find their connection strengthens, and grandparents become fully engaged in family gatherings, no longer missing out on precious moments.
Modern hearing aids are discreet, digital, and at the cutting edge of technology. They come in a variety of different colours and can connect to smartphones via Bluetooth, allowing you to listen to music, stream podcasts, and make calls just like you would with headphones. Someone I know has even admitted to listening to Test Match Special through his hearing aids during some of his longer work meetings… not that I would condone such behaviour, of course!
When it comes to hearing and dementia, it’s an area where more research is needed. At RNID we support studies that aim to deepen our understanding of this association. This research could lead to improvements in how both conditions are diagnosed and treated.
But there are obvious health benefits to seeking help with your hearing right now. And the good news is – empowering yourself and taking notice of your hearing has never been easier.
- Harriet Oppenheimer is Chief Executive of the RNID. Test your hearing at rnid.org.uk and check-in with loved ones to do the same