Is a lack of hearing aids fuelling a dementia epidemic? Scientists to probe link

Hearing loss contributes to dementia and mental decline, according to new medical research by a doctor who plans to begin the first clinical trial to study whether hearing aids could prevent or mitigate brain decline.

The deafest are five times as likely to develop the memory-robbing disease, and even mild hearing loss seems to have an effect, according to researcher Dr Frank Lin, who said doctors must stop thinking of hearing loss as being inconsequential and start treating it.

Experts believe deafness undermines working memory by making it harder to concentrate and think.

Studies also indicate that hearing loss actually changes brain structure, causing shrinkage in some regions most affected by Alzheimer’s. In addition, the social isolation caused by deafness may speed up mental decline.

If the connection between poor hearing aid provision and dementia is proved, it will have far-reaching implications in the UK where the NHS is starting to ration hearing aids.

Paul Breckell, chief executive of charity Action on Hearing Loss, said: “Hearing aids offer a lifeline to many, especially older people with hearing loss who would otherwise be sat at home unable to communicate with the outside world.

“This research from the US shows that the NHS must act now to stop cuts to hearing aids which have been freely available to people who have needed them since 1948.”

North Staffordshire clinical commissioning group last October became the first health board in the country to refuse hearing aids for people with mild hearing loss.
Mid-Essex followed suit soon afterwards, and at least five other health boards are considering similar measures.

Sue Archbold, chief executive of the Ear Foundation, added: “This latest evidence shows how devastating unaddressed hearing loss can be, putting people at greater risk of early onset dementia.

“We need to ensure that the public are aware of the potentially damaging consequences of hearing loss and we must ensure that the rationing of hearing aids in some areas of NHS stops now to ensure that we don’t add to the number of dementia cases leading to heartache for families and additional costs to the NHS.”