Study finds hearing aids lower the risk of developing dementia

New research suggests that wearing hearing aids can delay the onset and progression of dementia.  While hearing loss can increase the chances of developing dementia by up to 20 per cent, the research found that the risk can be cut by up to seven per cent if those experiencing it use the devices.

Experts said it was further evidence of the link between dementia and hearing loss, and emphasised the need for hearing aids.

The Danish study involved 573,088 people aged 50 years and ran between January 2003 and December 2017.  The team found that hearing loss was associated with a seven per cent higher risk of dementia.  However, people who suffered from hearing loss and did not use hearing aids were associated with a 20 per cent risk, compared to six per cent amongst people who had hearing loss and used the devices.

Dr Leah Mursaleen, Alzheimer’s Research UK’s head of clinical research, said the findings add to the growing evidence that losing your hearing increases your risk of dementia.

She added “Although the effects of using hearing aids are notoriously difficult to unravel, because researchers cannot be sure if people use them consistently, there is building evidence suggesting that using them can help reduce the impact of hearing loss on dementia risk.

“Further evidence is needed to help us better understand this link, and with around one million people now affected by dementia in the UK, and 12 million people estimated to have some type of hearing loss, this has never been more important.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (jacquelinevance@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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