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Hearing loss linked to fivefold dementia risk, doctors warn

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Hearing loss, often mistaken for aging, significantly increases the risk of dementia, with moderate loss tripling the risk and severe loss increasing it fivefold.
  • Doctors urge individuals over 50 to undergo regular hearing checks, similar to blood pressure monitoring, to protect cognitive health.
  • Key warning signs include frequently asking for repetition, turning up TV volume, difficulty hearing in noisy environments, and avoiding social gatherings, all of which warrant medical attention.

Hearing loss is frequently dismissed as a natural part of aging, but medical experts warn it carries a significant risk for cognitive decline, particularly dementia. Dr. Wang Yao, an ear, nose, and throat specialist, highlights that moderate hearing loss can triple the risk of developing dementia, while severe hearing loss can increase it fivefold. He stresses that hearing health is intrinsically linked to brain health, and proactive management is crucial.

Hearing loss is not just an ear problem; it is closely related to brain health.

— Dr. Wang YaoDr. Wang Yao emphasizes the connection between auditory function and overall cognitive well-being.

Dr. Wang points out that many people, especially those over 50, do not prioritize hearing checks, with only 20% actively seeking them out despite one in three individuals in this age group experiencing hearing loss. He notes that symptoms often mistaken for cognitive impairment, such as memory lapses or slow responses, can simply stem from not hearing clearly. Other signs include personality changes, like increased irritability or withdrawal due to frustration, and a decline in executive function because complex instructions are not fully understood.

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To safeguard cognitive function, Dr. Wang recommends regular hearing examinations for everyone over 50, advocating for annual checks akin to routine blood pressure monitoring. He also suggests combining hearing tests with cognitive function screenings for a comprehensive assessment of brain health. Early intervention is key, as prolonged hearing issues can have a greater impact on cognitive abilities.

Moderate hearing loss increases the risk of dementia by three times, and severe hearing loss by up to five times.

— Dr. Wang YaoDr. Wang Yao quantifies the heightened risk of dementia associated with different degrees of hearing impairment.

Certain individuals should undergo more frequent monitoring. These include those with a family history of dementia, prolonged exposure to loud noise, early signs of cognitive decline, those taking ototoxic medications, and individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Sudden hearing loss, unilateral hearing loss, dizziness, tinnitus, rapid cognitive decline, or noticeable communication difficulties reported by family members necessitate immediate medical evaluation.

People should have their hearing checked regularly after the age of 50, just like measuring blood pressure.

— Dr. Wang YaoDr. Wang Yao advocates for routine hearing examinations as a preventative health measure.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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