Hearing Loss and Dementia: A Primer for Hearing Healthcare Professionals (Q2 2019)-Hearing Loss and Dementia: A Primer for Hearing Healthcare Professionals (Q2 2019)

Hearing Loss and Dementia: A Primer for Hearing Healthcare Professionals (Q2 2019) - Article

Pdf Summary

Untreated age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a common issue that affects a person's ability to communicate and maintain social connections. However, the majority of individuals with hearing loss do not seek treatment for their condition, due to factors such as stigma, affordability, and lack of awareness of the consequences of not addressing hearing difficulties. Demographically, as the population ages, the prevalence of age-related hearing loss and dementia is increasing, with significant implications for health, economics, and social policy. The World Health Organization estimates that disabling hearing loss affects around one-third of individuals over the age of 65 globally. The number of people with hearing loss is projected to almost double in the United States over the next 43 years, with prevalence rising among older age groups. Hearing loss has been identified as a potentially modifiable risk factor for dementia, either independently or in conjunction with other factors. The link between hearing loss and dementia is still being studied, but evidence suggests that hearing loss may increase the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Timely diagnosis and intervention for hearing loss can have a positive impact on managing symptoms and improving functional ability in individuals with dementia. Hearing healthcare professionals play a crucial role in assessing and addressing hearing loss in individuals with dementia, with interventions such as hearing aids, assistive technologies, and communication strategies having the potential to improve communication, social engagement, and overall quality of life.

Keywords

Untreated age-related hearing loss

communication

social connections

stigma

affordability

dementia

prevalence

modifiable risk factor

cognitive decline

intervention