Health experts have revealed that a simple medical examination may provide important clues about brain health, after studies showed that neglecting a common health problem may be linked to an increased likelihood of developing dementia.
Research indicates a strong link between hearing health and cognitive abilities, with untreated hearing loss being one of the most prominent modifiable factors associated with memory and thinking decline.
Studies conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University have shown that people with severe, untreated hearing loss may be five times more likely to develop dementia than those with normal hearing.
According to the findings, hearing loss is associated with varying levels of increased risk of developing dementia:
The researchers explained that even mild hearing loss, such as difficulty hearing low-volume sounds or following conversations in crowded places, can put extra strain on the brain. When hearing is impaired, the brain has to work harder to understand sounds, which can reduce the resources it uses for memory, planning, and reasoning.
Hearing loss can also lead to reduced social interaction, due to difficulty following conversations, which may increase the likelihood of isolation, which in turn is linked to a decline in cognitive abilities.
One study found that the use of hearing aids in older adults most at risk of cognitive decline helped reduce the rate of decline in thinking and memory skills by 48% over three years.
A research review published in JAMA Neurology also found that the use of hearing aids and cochlear implants was associated with a 19% reduction in the risk of long-term cognitive decline.
Although hearing loss is linked to an increased risk of dementia, experts emphasize that hearing loss does not necessarily mean having the disease, as brain health is affected by many factors. However, detecting the problem early and treating it may help preserve mental abilities.
The UK's National Health Service (NHS) recommends several steps to maintain ear health, including:
Reduce the volume level on devices to about 60% of the maximum.
Avoid using cotton swabs inside the ear canal.
Wear earplugs in places with loud noises, such as concerts.
Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming to reduce the risk of infections.
Hearing care specialists recommend regular checkups with an audiologist, especially with advancing age, for early detection of any changes.
The frequency of hearing tests varies depending on age and risk factors, but general recommendations for healthy adults are:
From 18 to 40 years old: every three to five years.
From 40 to 60 years old: every one to three years.
After age 60: once a year.
Annual or more frequent check-ups are recommended when risk factors are present, such as continuous exposure to loud noises, a family history of hearing loss, conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, or the appearance of symptoms such as tinnitus, dizziness, and difficulty following conversations.
