Patient Resources
Tips and news to support your hearing health.
As the Owner and Lead Audiologist at Beckenham Hearing, I want to share an important message with anyone struggling with hearing loss. A new study has found that wearing hearing aids could help reduce the risk of dementia by over 40%.
The study, published in The Lancet, showed that people with hearing loss who used hearing aids were 42% less likely to develop dementia than those who did not use them.
There are approximately 11 million people in the UK with hearing loss, which equates to almost 55,000 people in the London Borough of Bromley alone. Many of these people have never sought the help of an audiologist for their hearing.
This study, along with many others before it, shows strong evidence that untreated hearing loss can lead to cognitive decline. My plea to anyone over 50 is to ensure you have a regular hearing check every couple of years, especially if you’ve started to notice you’re missing parts of conversations or certain sounds.
The Link Between Hearing and Brain Health
The study looked at data from 437,704 people taking part in the UK Biobank study. The average age was 56, with an average follow-up time of 12 years.
The hypothesis, known as cognitive overload, suggests that adults with hearing loss have to work harder to process information. This extra effort can place strain on the brain, making it harder to perform other functions and increasing the risk of cognitive decline.
Early Action Makes a Difference
Wearing hearing aids can help reduce the risks of dementia by improving hearing and making it easier to communicate. This study highlights the urgent need for early intervention when someone starts to experience hearing changes.
Book a Hearing Assessment
If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing, don’t wait. A simple hearing assessment could make a profound difference to your long-term cognitive health. At Beckenham Hearing, we offer comprehensive hearing evaluations using the latest technology and expert guidance.
Book your hearing assessment today to take the first step towards protecting both your hearing and your brain health.
Neil grew up in Crystal Palace, exploring its hidden tunnels and treasures long before the area became trendy. Originally trained in micro-electronics engineering, he began his career designing stereo equipment and mixing decks before transitioning into hearing aid technology — a move that sparked a lifelong passion. Over the past 30 years, Neil has worked with leading global hearing aid manufacturers, supporting audiologists with complex fittings and technical challenges.
