Chanelling With Hearing Speech In Noise an Early Sign Of Dementia

Challenges with Hearing Speech in Noise – an Early Sign of Dementia?

A new study shows that difficulty hearing speech in environments with background noise can be an early sign of dementia. Researchers found that these hearing challenges increased the risk of dementia by 91%. Dementia is an umbrella term that includes a range of medical conditions characterized by reduced cognitive capacity – Alzheimer’s being the most common type of dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia is expected to rapidly increase from 50 million people globally to 150 million by 2050. There are no cures for dementia so identifying risk factors that can be modified is an incredibly important preventative measure. Understanding how hearing loss can impact the brain and seeking treatment early can drastically reduce the risk of experiencing cognitive decline. 

 

Link Between Speech-in-Noise Hearing Impairment & Dementia 

A 2021 study published in the Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association examined the link between speech-in-noise hearing impairment and dementia. Speech-in-noise hearing impairment refers to experiencing difficulty hearing speech in settings with background noise. This is a common sign of hearing loss that has multifaceted effects on overall health. Not only does it strain communication but it affects relationships, often leads to social withdrawal, contributes to depression and stress, as well as can take a toll on brain health which is highlighted in this new study. 

 

Conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford, this study includes  82,039 people (age 60 and older) who did not have dementia at the onset of the study. Participants were asked to identify numbers spoken to them in environments with different levels of background noise. Their speech-in-noise hearing was then identified as normal, insufficient, or poor. Studied over 11 years, 1,285 people developed dementia. Researchers found that compared to those with normal speech-in-noise hearing: 

  • People with insufficient speech-in-noise hearing were 61% more likely to develop dementia
  • People with poor speech-in-noise hearing were 91% more likely to develop dementia.

This reveals a significant link between speech-in-noise hearing loss and dementia. This major study is part of extensive research that shows a correlation between hearing loss and cognitive decline. 

 

Impact of Hearing Loss on the Brain

Numerous studies show that hearing loss increases the risk of cognitive decline which reveals that impaired hearing affects the brain. The process of hearing doesn’t only occur in the ears but also involves the brain. Soundwaves travel through the ears and are converted into electrical signals that are carried to the brain. The brain then further analyzes these signals and assigns meaning to the sound, allowing us to understand what we hear. Experts suggest that hearing loss renders the areas of the brain that process sound inactive. Because these areas are being used less, cognitive function is reduced. Other areas of the brain try to intervene and compensate which can lead to cognitive overload. Researchers also suggest that another way the brain is impacted is by social withdrawal, one of the most common effects of untreated hearing loss. Engaging less with others and not participating in social activities results in less stimulation and engagement for the brain which can also contribute to reduced cognitive capacity. 

 

Treating Hearing Loss 

Addressing hearing loss as soon as you recognize changes or symptoms is a critical way to protect your brain and overall health. Acknowledging changes to hearing health and seeking medical attention can be overwhelming. Fortunately, hearing healthcare is accessible and treatment offers countless benefits that are life-changing. Treating hearing loss begins by scheduling an appointment to have your hearing assessed by a hearing healthcare specialist. Hearing tests are painless and non-invasive, involving a process that measures your hearing capacity in both ears. A common type of hearing test that is used is pure tone audiometry which includes listening to sounds played at different frequencies and responding to what you can hear. This establishes the softest sounds you can hear and your results identify any impairment as well as the degree of impairment you could be experiencing. 

 

Once your hearing needs are identified, your hearing healthcare provider can recommend treatment options that can meet those needs. The most common treatment for hearing loss is hearing aids. These are electronic devices that detect and process sound which provides the ears and brain with ample support. This maximizes hearing capacity and allows people to hear and communicate with greater ease. Treating hearing loss not only enhances hearing but offers countless benefits like strengthening communication, improving relationships, and supporting an active social life. Additionally, hearing aids have been shown to strengthen cognitive functions which improve brain health, reducing the risk of cognitive decline. 

 

Call us today to schedule an appointment for a hearing consultation! This is a simple way to prioritize your hearing health and wellness.