22 Nov 2011
The Better Hearing Institute (BHI)
has called for sufferers of hearing loss to address their hearing
problems and take note of the association between hearing health
and overall cognitive function.
The announcement comes in recognition of
World Alzheimer's Day (September 21st) and is based on the release
of their related study published in the journal Archives of
Neurology. The event aims to raise awareness of both hearing loss
and Alzheimer's disease and the relationship between the two.
The study findings revealed that older
adults with hearing loss are apparently more prone to developing
dementia. Meanwhile, this risk increases as hearing problems become
more severe. More specifically, the risk of developing Alzheimer's
disease increased with hearing loss in particular. For every ten
decibels of hearing loss, the level of risk of developing
Alzheimer's increased by 20 per cent.
BHI emphasises that failure to address
hearing loss, even in its early stages, can make Alzheimer's more
difficult to detect further down the line.
Dr Sergei Kochkin, BHI's executive
director, said: "There is strong evidence that hearing impairment
contributes to the progression of cognitive dysfunction in older
adults. Unmanaged hearing loss can interrupt the cognitive
processing of spoken language and sound, exhaust cognitive reserve,
and lead to social isolation - regardless of other coexisting
conditions.
"But when an individual has both
Alzheimer's and hearing loss, many of the symptoms of hearing loss
can interact with those common to Alzheimer's, making the disease
more difficult than it might be if the hearing loss had been
addressed."
If you think you may have a hearing loss why not take our
online hearing check questionnaire or make an
appointment to have a hearing test at your nearest
Amplifon branch.
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