UK’s hearing loss organizations address misleading claims about dementia

The UK’s leading hearing loss organizations have joined forces to highlight misleading reports by some health professionals and the media that hearing loss causes dementia, and treating hearing loss will reduce our individual risk of dementia.

In a position statement published today, British Society of Audiology, the British Academy of Audiology and the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists say the misinformation is promoting a sense of alarm and stigma around hearing loss, and may discourage people experiencing hearing difficulties from seeking help.

They also argue the focus on what causes the co-occurrence of hearing loss and dementia could inadvertently distract from much needed research on how to assess and help people who live with both conditions.

The statement published by the organizations, provides a more balanced view of the link between the two, arguing there is no evidence to support or refute either of the claims.

Factors which are predictive of dementia include depression, traumatic brain injury, diabetes, lower levels of education, and social isolation. Hearing loss comes much further down the ranking and has a clear but weak association.

The lead author Kevin Munro, Professor of audiology at The University of Manchester, said: “It is true that hearing loss and dementia both increase with age. But it does not follow that one causes the other.

“Social responsibility is paramount, and any misleading negative messaging may distract from the importance of good hearing in its own right.

“Hearing loss is a huge challenge because it ranks third in terms of years lived with a disability.

“There is clear evidence that treating adult-onset hearing loss facilitates an active, engaged, independent, and healthy older age, and that could be good for people with or without dementia.

“The topic of dementia raises considerable fear and alarm because of the potential devastating consequences for individuals, with a significant impact on families and carers, as well as the health and care system.”

While the nature of the link has yet to be determined, it is a mistake to think that if two things co-occur, one must have caused the other. We can say with certainty that just because someone experiences age-related cognitive change, and changes in their hearing, this does not mean that they will go on to develop dementia.”

Siobhan Brennan, Chair of the British Society of Audiology

Listening and trying to communicate with others when you have a hearing loss can be a challenge. Hearing aids have proven benefits for improving communication and this helps to keep the user cognitively and socially active.

Professor Munro added: “If hearing aids help you to hear more easily, this means your brain probably doesn’t have to work so hard. That could free up your brain to do other things. This is a simple and clear message: hearing better can help you to live better.”

Claire Benton, President of the British Academy of Audiology said: “We need to change the narrative, so society appreciates the importance of healthy hearing. We are in an ageing society and the more people who enter older age in good health, the better. Healthy hearing is an important component of healthy ageing.”

Michael Marchant, Vice President of the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists, said: “This document is designed to reassure our members and help them navigate any concerns. Since causation between hearing loss and dementia has not been proven, it’s essential that our members approach this topic with sensitivity, ensuring patients feel informed and supported rather than alarmed.”

The authors of the report stress that the content is specific to adult-onset hearing loss. It does not apply to people who identify as being Deaf and are members of a vibrant community that uses sign language to communicate.