UNTREATED HEARING LOSS [Video]

Hearing Aids May Protect Against a Higher Risk of Dementia, Prevent Falling and make you Live Longer!
LONG TERM UNTREATED HEARING LOSS- THE THREE STARTLING ASSOCIATIONS REPORTED RECENTLY-
Long term untreated hearing loss has been in the news recently.
The three associations of long-term untreated hearing loss recently reported are-
– Early onset Dementia/ Cognitive Decline – JAMA 2023
– Frequent risks for Falling – Journal of American Gaeriatric Society – 2023
– Early death – Lancet 2024

Understanding the Link of Hearing Loss with Dementia, Frequent falls and Early Death
Hearing loss is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. As people age, they may experience a gradual decline in their ability to hear, which can impact their quality of life. Studies have shown that people with hearing loss may be more likely to develop dementia than those with normal hearing.
The exact mechanism behind this link is not fully understood. However, it is believed that hearing loss can make it more difficult to communicate with others, which can lead to social isolation and depression. It can also lead to a decrease in cognitive stimulation, which is important for maintaining cognitive function.
Frequent Falls- Older adults with hearing loss are at 2.4 times greater risk of falls than their normal hearing peers.
Early death- A report from the Lancet of 2024 found that hearing loss might be associated with increased mortality, and this risk could be mitigated by consistent hearing aid use.
Dementia – The study analyzed data from over 114,000 people aged 66 and older.
The participants were divided into two groups: those who had been diagnosed with hearing loss and used hearing aids, and those who had been diagnosed with hearing loss but did not use hearing aids. The researchers then tracked the participants over a period of 10 years to see who developed dementia.

The results showed that people who used hearing aids had a lower risk of developing dementia than those who did not use hearing aids.
Specifically, the risk of dementia was 18% lower in people who used hearing aids.

Hearing aids offer a number of other benefits for people with hearing loss.
For example, hearing aids can improve communication, which can lead to better relationships with family and friends. They can also improve job performance and increase earning potential. Additionally, hearing aids can help people to participate in social activities and maintain an active lifestyle.
Consistent hearing aid use is associated with lower odds of experiencing a fall or being classified as at risk for falls in older individuals with hearing loss.
There is also reduced mortality.
FAQs
Q- What is dementia?
Dementia is a broad term that refers to a decline in cognitive function. It can include a range of symptoms such as memory loss, difficulty with language, and changes in mood and behavior.
Q- How common is hearing loss?
Hearing loss is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is estimated that one in three people over the age of 65 have some degree of hearing loss.

Q- What is the present recommendation regarding hearing loss?
Untreated long term hearing loss leads to early onset Dementia, increased risk of Falling as well as having an impact on overall mortality – as per the lates research.
Q- Are there other benefits to using hearing aids?
Yes, hearing aids can offer a number of other benefits for people with hearing loss. They can improve communication, increase job performance and earning potential, and help to participate in social activities and maintain an active lifestyle.

Q – How can I tell if I need hearing aids?
If you are experiencing difficulty in hearing, such as needing to turn up the volume on the television or having trouble following conversations in noisy environments, missing out on what people are saying, asking people to repeat themselves etc you may benefit from hearing aids. It is important to schedule a hearing test with an audiologist.

In conclusion, hearing loss is a common condition that can have a significant impact on your quality of life. The link between hearing loss and dementia is complex, but studies have shown that using hearing aids may help to protect against a higher risk of dementia. There is also a greater risk of sustaining a fall as well as early mortality. If you or someone you know has hearing loss, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
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Disclaimer: The contents of this video, including any information, products, or services offered, are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.