J'AIME March 2021

H E A LT H
The link between hearing
health and Alzheimer’s
STEVEN HALE, DIRECTOR OF AUDIOLOGY AT STEVEN HALE HEARING,
EXPLAINS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RECENT MEDICAL RESEARCH
For years now, we as audiologists have wondered
if there is a link between poor hearing health and
Alzheimer’s disease. Some recent findings in a
Lancet Commission article appear to confirm this
suspicion.
The discoveries explore the impact of sensory
deprivation on the brain - such as hearing loss - and
how this can affect other neurological functions.
The article cites “…modifiable risk factors such
as hearing impairment…” as one direct link to
susceptibility to Alzheimer’s disease. While hearing
loss is held in context as one of 12 such risk factors,
it should most certainly be borne in mind that these
are accountable for some “…40% of worldwide
dementias, which consequently could theoretically
be prevented or delayed… it is never too early
and never too late in the life course for dementia
prevention…”
As tinnitus has been cited as a ‘soft’ sign of
neurological disease, it should also be considered a
contributory factor and included under the hearing
loss banner.
Another article on dementia also advises us “…
according to one study, people with mild hearing
loss are two times as likely to develop dementia, and
this increases to three times for those with moderate
hearing loss…”
Having experienced clients who have been
diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, they and their
nearest and dearest often tell me that the sufferer’s
confidence can be almost immediately impacted,
leading to a natural urge to withdraw – especially
in social situations. This, in turn, may create a form
of self-exclusion and isolation, which may impact
directly upon the neurological disease, as brain
stimulus is reduced.
Whilst we, as a profession, sadly cannot currently
boast that there is a cure for tinnitus, we are
certainly able to offer some assistance which will
help on a day-to-day basis - and possibly stave off
the development of other neurological issues.
In fact one hearing aid client of mine
recommended her son to me as his tinnitus was so
disruptive that he had told his wife he ‘couldn’t go
on’. In his case we were able to find a hearing aid
and tinnitus management therapies that reduced the
impact his tinnitus had on him, thereby reducing
the stress he was suffering from and creating less
negative impact on him and his brain functions –
ultimately changing his life.
I am certain that all of my fellow audiological
professionals will be able to recite countless stories
of clients they have been able to help with their
hearing health, just as I can. However, hearing loss
and tinnitus are conditions whose effects are wide
reaching.
We are continually striving to reduce these impacts
through research, evolving technology, treatments
and client feedback – and to ultimately prevent
one sensory loss from creating or enhancing a
neurological one. Until that day arrives, however,
we as a profession remain dedicated to providing
the very best lifestyles that we can – and to keeping
you safe, active and social.
38 www.jaimemagazine.com