05/07/2024
Losing your sight or hearing can have devastating consequences. These sensory functions are vital, enabling us to connect with people and the world around us. The importance of routine optician appointments is familiar to the vast majority of us, but regular hearing tests and ear health checks are rarely sought unless ear related problems arise.
In the UK alone, it is estimated that 1.2 million adults have hearing loss that is severe enough that they are unable to hear most conservational speech. We know that hearing loss impairs communication and social interactions but research shows that it is also associated with increased mortality.
A recent study has found that mild hearing loss doubles the risk of developing dementia, and moderate hearing loss triples this risk. People with severe hearing impairment are reportedly fives times more likely to develop dementia. The link between hearing loss and dementia is not yet fully understood, but is most likely associated with reduced cognitive function caused by social isolation, depression and lack of active engagement.
Ear wax removal is one tiny part of maintaining good ear health. Reducing conductive hearing loss by removing impacted ear wax can reduce the risk of longer term hearing problems, but it's not the only cause. If you are struggling with your hearing but no ear wax is found, please contact your GP or local NHS audiology provider so that a comprehensive hearing assessment can be completed.
Early recognition of hearing loss is crucial to enable preventative measures, such as hearing aids, to be introduced. This simple adjustment could help delay the progression of hearing loss, and ensure that those who are affected, stay connected with friends and family👂❤.
