Hearing Health and dementia prevention
Hearing health has long been overlooked in public health policies. Yet more than one in two people are likely to suffer from hearing problems after the age of 75, as the aging of the population accelerates.
Unfortunately, older people with hearing problems take an average of 7 to 10 years before seeking help.
Hearing aids could slow cognitive decline
A study, published in July 2023 in the prestigious journal The Lancet, is changing things. It reveals that hearing aids could slow cognitive decline in elderly people at high risk of dementia.
This study, the first of its kind, represents a major advance in the prevention of age-related cognitive disorders.
It was carried out by American researchers on a group of one thousand people, aged between 70 and 84, who had not been consulted about their hearing loss. The researchers found that people at high risk of dementia who wore hearing aids for 3 years experienced a 48% reduction in cognitive impairment, compared with those who did not.
Dr. Frank Lin, co-author of the study and professor at John Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, said he was surprised by the results.
Hearing loss makes a big difference to people’s lives
Before this discovery, we didn’t understand the impact of hearing loss. It wasn’t important, so why bother? I think the study shows that it really does matter, and that hearing loss makes a big difference to people’s lives.
We now know that hearing loss needs to be taken very seriously. The WHO (World Health Organization) recently published that the number of people suffering from dementia could triple by 2050. In addition to being linked to dementia, hearing loss has many other health effects, such as an increased risk of falls, depression and isolation.
Maintaining good hearing throughout one’s life enables one to communicate well, enjoy an active social life and remain independent for a long time to come. In short, to enjoy life.
Don’t wait any longer!
Consult one of our audioprosthetists for tailor-made solutions to help you maintain good hearing and stay active.
Make an appointment for a hearing screening: 1-888-368-3637
Watch the video on Hearing health and cognitive health prevention:
(Video available in French only. English subtitles available)
*Référence: Reportage TV CBS News - https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hearing-aids-may-reduce-risk-of-dementia/
