So, here’s the thing.  People with hearing aids have the same risk of dementia as the rest of the population.  But people who NEED a hearing aid are very much more likely to get dementia.  Twice as likely.

We’ve known for a long time that age related damage is the biggest cause of hearing loss, and that after the age of 70, fewer than a quarter of us still have perfect hearing.  We’ve always worried about how to support people with dementia and hearing loss, but it’s only since a recent Lancet article and information from the WHO that we’ve realised how important it is to fix the hearing loss BEFORE dementia, in order to delay onset.

As long ago as 2011 Action on Hearing loss was telling us that six million people in the UK either have or could benefit from hearing aids.  As the population has grown and aged since then we will soon reach their estimate that by 2031 there will be 14.5 million with hearing loss.  If that is not managed, it could lead to a surge in people affected by dementia.

People who develop hearing loss wait on average ten years after they notice symptoms before they seek help.  If you know someone, or if you yourself have any doubts get a hearing test now.  You can do it on line with the RNID or at many high street shops.  It’s all about brain health, and avoiding risk.