Britain’s leading hearing loss organizations have joined forces to highlight misleading messages from some health professionals and the media that hearing loss causes dementia, and that treating hearing loss will reduce our individual risk of dementia.
In a position statement published today, the British Society of Audiology, the British Academy of Audiology and the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists say the misinformation promotes a sense of alarm and stigma around hearing loss and can discourage people with hearing problems from seeking help. .
They also argue that focusing on the cause of the co-occurrence of hearing loss and dementia could inadvertently divert attention from much-needed research into how to assess and help people living with both conditions.
The statement published by the organizations gives a more balanced view of the link between the two, arguing that there is no evidence to support or refute either of the claims.
Factors that predict dementia include depression, traumatic brain injury, diabetes, lower education level and social isolation. Hearing loss is much lower on the rankings and has a clear but weak association.
Lead author Kevin Munro, professor of audiology at the University of Manchester, said: “It is true that hearing loss and dementia both increase with age. But it does not follow that one thing causes the other.
“Social responsibility is paramount, and any misleading negative message can distract from the importance of a good hearing itself.
“Hearing loss is a huge challenge because it ranks third in the number of years we live with a disability.
“There is clear evidence that treating hearing loss in adults enables an active, engaged, independent and healthy older age, and that could be good for people with or without dementia.
“The topic of dementia raises significant fear and anxiety due to its potentially devastating consequences for individuals, with a significant impact on families and carers, as well as the health and care system.”
Although the nature of the connection has yet to be determined, it is a mistake to think that if two things occur together, one must have caused the other. We can say with certainty that just because someone experiences age-related cognitive and hearing changes does not mean they will develop dementia.”
Siobhan Brennan, President of the British Society of Audiology
Listening and trying to communicate with others when you have hearing loss can be challenging. Hearing aids have proven benefits for improving communication and this helps keep the user cognitively and socially active.
Professor Munro added: “If hearing aids help you hear more easily, it means your brain probably doesn’t have to work as hard. That can free up your brain to do other things. This is a simple and clear message: better hearing can help you live a better life.”
Claire Benton, President of the British Academy of Audiology said: “We need to change the narrative so that society understands the importance of healthy hearing. We are in an aging society and the more people who grow older in good health, the better. Healthy hearing is an important part of healthy aging.”
Michael Marchant, vice-president of the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists, said: “This document is intended to reassure our members and help them address any concerns they may have. Because the causal link between hearing loss and dementia has not been proven, it is essential that our members approach this topic with sensitivity so that patients feel informed and supported rather than alarmed.”
The authors of the report emphasize that the content is specific to hearing loss in adults. It does not apply to people who identify as deaf and are members of a vibrant community that uses sign language to communicate.