A link between hearing loss and dementia

It’s no secret that as we age, our ability to carry out everyday activities may decrease with a contributory factor possibly being a change in hearing. Experts show that there can be a link between hearing loss and dementia.

The Centre for Ageing and Dementia (CADR) aims to raise awareness to those who may be experiencing hearing loss and advise you to contact your GP practice to arrange an appointment with an NHS audiologist for a hearing assessment.

CADR Director, Dr Andrea Tales says:

This co-produced animation is based on research evidence and is designed to raise awareness of the importance of addressing hearing loss allowing people to make positive choices. Raising awareness allows people to more freely talk about the issues and to let people know that it's ok to contact their GP and audiologist to talk about it.”

If you notice any hearing loss, it’s important that you get your ears and hearing checked as early as possible, or if you already have hearing aids then make sure they are working and used regularly. Research suggests that by managing hearing loss with hearing aids, the risk of dementia can be reduced.

Kieran Walshe, Director of Health and Care Research Wales said:

Without research, we wouldn’t know how strong a link there is between hearing loss and dementia. Research provides crucial opportunities to consider health and wellbeing as a whole and make connections between seemingly disparate issues, leading to deeper understanding and better outcomes.”