As we age, conversations in noisy places like restaurants can become challenging.
We usually think of hearing loss as an ear issue, but our brains play a significant role as well. Our ears and brains work together to help us focus on specific sounds and ignore others. However, as we grow older, our brains process sound less efficiently, and many of us start losing some of this ability. Hearing in noisy environments is tied to our brain's ability to function well. Thus, problems like struggling to understand conversations in crowded places can show up years before we even realize our hearing or brain function is impaired.
Not only does hearing loss increase social difficulties – it also increases the risk of developing dementia.
Recent research has revealed an important link between hearing and the brain health of older adults. The Lancet, a respected source, tells us about a new study where those at risk of dementia were given hearing aids and advice over the course of three years. These individuals experienced about half as much cognitive decline as those who only got health education. This study underscores the importance of using hearing aids to reduce the chances of dementia.
Hearing loss is a widespread issue among older adults, affecting approximately one-third of those over 60 and more than 80 per cent of those older than 85 years. This hearing decline has a big impact on individuals’ quality of life, making it harder for people to connect with others and enjoy life.
Marilyn Reed, from Baycrest's audiology department, explains, "When people can't hear well, they often start to avoid social activities. This can lead to feeling isolated and lonely, which isn't good for the brain or overall health. Treating hearing loss could actually reduce the risk of dementia, which makes it a pretty big deal."
Today, more than 55 million people worldwide suffer from dementia, with hearing loss being responsible for up to 8 per cent of new dementia cases. However, the Lancet highlights a potential route for prevention. Early detection of hearing issues allows for quicker and more effective treatment – and if we catch hearing problems early, we can treat them sooner and better.
“The interesting thing about the Lancet article is that it shows that we are now paying much more attention to potential risk factors for dementia, because we don’t have a cure,” Marilyn explains. “In the absence of a cure and given the enormous cost to healthcare, we’re now looking at potentially modifiable risk factors. Hearing loss is a risk factor that we can address in middle or later age, which could actually have some impact. If it can help your ability to socialize and feel less isolated, it can have a knock-down effect on the other age-related health concerns, such as depression, as well.”
Hearing loss develops gradually as we age, so we may not be aware of it. Hearing screening is an important way of identifying hearing loss so we can take steps to do something about it. Even though hearing aids and other hearing help strategies can be very effective, many people wait a whole decade before seeing an audiologist about it.
Baycrest is supporting early detection with a screening tool to help identify hearing loss. This new online tool is free for anyone to use and only takes about 10 minutes. This online tool asks questions that pinpoint hearing problems, such as difficulty hearing over the phone or in noisy places. The answers guide Baycrest's Hearing Services to offer personalized solutions for hearing loss. There’s also the option of a phone chat with an audiologist if you want to know more about personalized hearing care options. To access this tool, visit the Baycrest website at
www.baycrest.org/hearing.
By tackling hearing issues, we can help older adults stay connected and keep their minds sharp.