Awareness around the connection between dementia and hearing loss is being raised through a new campaign.
Hearing loss is an issue often experienced by people living with dementia, although its link to the condition is not always made, and its impact can be underestimated.
For those who experience hearing loss, it can lead to their withdrawal from everyday life, and can lead to isolation and a lack of stimulation for the brain found through conversation.
It can compound the loneliness and withdrawal that is often found in people living with dementia – but research suggests that managing hearing loss with hearing aids can dramatically reduce the risk and impact of the neurodegenerative condition.
Now, to help increase awareness of hearing loss and dementia, the Centre for Ageing and Dementia Research (CADR) at Swansea University has launched a campaign to target the issue.
Working alongside the Awen Institute and NHS Wales, an animation has been created to educate people on the steps they can take if they are affected.
Dr Andrea Tales, CADR director, said: “The impact of hearing loss is often underrated, and many are unaware of its link to dementia.
“This co-produced animation is based on research evidence and is designed to highlight the importance of addressing problems with hearing, giving people the power to make positive choices.
“We hope this campaign encourages people to talk about these issues more freely and lets them know it’s okay to contact their GP and audiologist to discuss their concerns and arrange a hearing assessment.”
The animation explains the importance of people having their ears and hearing checked as early as possible, or if they already have hearing aids, to ensure they are in working order and being used regularly.
Jane Wild, chair of Wales Audiology Heads of Service Group, said: “We are so pleased to see this new animation being launched.
“It will play a vital role in educating people on the connection between hearing loss and dementia, the value of seeking help and the use of hearing aids.”
Kieran Walshe, director of Health and Care Research Wales, added: “Without research, we wouldn’t know how strong the link is between hearing loss and dementia.
“Research provides crucial opportunities to consider health and wellbeing as a whole and make connections between seemingly disparate issues, leading to deeper understanding and better outcomes.”
