There are many misconceptions about brain illnesses like Alzheimer’s & Dementia & a lot of people would think that both are the same however, they are not. There have been definite links made between Dementia & Hearing Health.

From Johns Hopkins Medicine: Older people with hearing loss are significantly more likely to develop dementia over time than those who retain their hearing, a study by Johns Hopkins and National Institute on Ageing Research (USA), suggests. The findings, researchers say, could lead
to new ways to combat dementia – a condition that affects millions of people worldwide and carries heavy societal burdens.

Although the reason for the link between the two conditions is unknown, the investigators suggest a common pathology may underlie both, or that the strain of decoding sounds over the years may overwhelm the brains of people with hearing loss, leaving them more vulnerable to dementia. They also speculate that hearing loss could lead to dementia by making individuals’ more socially isolated, a known risk factor for dementia and other cognitive disorders. Whatever the cause, the scientists report, their findings may offer a starting point for interventions – even as simple as hearing aids – that could delay or prevent dementia by improving patients’ hearing.

To make the connection, Dr. Frank Lin, MD PhD and his colleagues used data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study on Aging (BLSA). The BLSA, initiated by the National Institute on Ageing in 1958, has tracked various health factors in thousands of men and women over decades.

Compared with volunteers with normal hearing, those with mild, moderate, and severe hearing loss had twofold, threefold and fivefold, respectively, the risk of developing dementia over time. The more hearing loss they had, the higher their likelihood of developing the memory-robbing disease. The study gives urgency to treating hearing loss rather than ignoring it.  – healthline.com

Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s

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You can still avail of assistance for funding the purchase of your hearing aid!

If you think you might have hearing loss and could benefit from a free hearing test with Hidden Hearing. You may be glad to know that at present there is a Government grant worth up to €1,000 that is available to most working and retired people who are hard of hearing.

The Department of Social Protection offers a Hearing Aid grant of up to €500 for one Hearing Aid or €1,000 for a pair of Hearing Aids. Hearing aids can be claimed once every 4 years. To check if your eligible for the grant please check the department of social protections website.We can also assist you within our branches with your application process.

The Department of Social Protection announced May 2017 that the Government Grants for the Medical Appliance benefit now apply to the self employed so ACT NOW before other potential changes come into place and take advantage of the Governments PRSI scheme before it’s too late.

Worth as much as €1,000 - Hearing loss is experienced by many people and some do not realise where to turn for help and advice, Hidden Hearing can explain what to do and what help is available.

Expert Advice - The 1st step is to find out how the system works and how it could help you, or someone close to you. Hidden Hearing have been helping people enjoy improved hearing for over 25 years and are acknowledged specialists.

Act now! Don’t Delay - Act now before more potential changes are made to the governments PRSI scheme. Most recently, the government have made the medical appliance benefit available to the self employed.

What Causes Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss may be caused by:

1. Exposure to loud noises. Noise induced hearing loss is particularly common amongst people who work in loud environments on a daily basis. Long-term exposure to loud noises in workplaces such as factories and construction sites is a major cause of hearing loss, but one off exposures to very loud noises such as music concerts and machinery can also cause permanent damage to hearing.
2. Meniere’s disease. Meniere’s disease is a condition that can affect hearing and balance, although severity can vary between individuals. Problem arise as fluid builds up in the cochlea, causing tinnitus, dizziness and sensitivity to loud noises.
3. Medications. Many prescription medicines can cause complications for the hearing organs, including aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs. These problems are more likely to affect people with a family history of hearing loss, and you should always advise your doctor if this has been a problem in your family.
4. Head injuries. Physical damage to the head, which often results from trauma injuries, can lead to permanent damage to the hearing. The middle ear is delicate, and is subject to damage from injury or eardrum perforation, and damage to the temporal lobe may also cause significant problems. If you are keen on risky or extreme sports, such as rugby, horse riding or skiing, it is important to wear protective headgear to minimize your risk of injury.
5. Tumours. A tumour in the hearing organ can cause damage to this delicate area, and often results in symptoms such as ringing in the ears. Surgery may be an option in this circumstance, and this may resolve the hearing loss. Abnormal bony growths on the middle ear bones, known as otosclerosis, can also cause hearing loss and is also a problem that is treatable with surgery.
6. Presbycusis. This is the term given to age-related hearing loss, which results from the loss of hair cells in the ears. Hearing aids can help to overcome this problem, but it is important to seek help as soon as possible to avoid further deterioration.

To book your free hearing test today in one of our 75 branches & clinics nationwide call 1800 882 884 or click here to fill out a short booking form on our website

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