Audiologists and hearing care professionals are invited to an exclusive webinar hosted by the British and Irish Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (BIHIMA) featuring Professor Kevin Munro. The webinar will focus on the critical issue of how hearing loss and dementia are communicated to patients and the public.
Set to take place on Thursday, April 24, the session will explore the latest insights on the topic and provide guidance on delivering a balanced, responsible narrative within the industry.
The webinar follows the joint position statement developed by Professor Munro in collaboration with The British Society of Audiology (BSA), the British Academy of Audiology (BAA), and the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists (BSHAA). This statement addresses the growing body of scientific research linking hearing loss and dementia, clarifying common misconceptions and outlining best practices for professionals in the field.
While recent studies have explored potential connections between hearing loss and cognitive decline, some interpretations have led to misleading claims suggesting that hearing loss directly causes dementia. Professor Munro, along with other leading audiology organizations, aims to emphasize the importance of presenting a balanced, evidence-based perspective to avoid unnecessary fear or miscommunication among patients.
“It’s integral that we talk about how communicating better and freely – facilitated by hearing instruments – can help us age well. But it’s a sensitive subject and one we need to be careful sharing information on, especially as audiologists who are not experts in dementia. Some organizations may have overstated the link and almost frightened people into getting hearing instruments as a way to mitigate their dementia risk. I strongly believe that the way you frame a message is paramount. Let’s focus on what we do know about people’s hearing and open a constructive discussion about how we can best support people with hearing loss.”
–Professor Kevin Munro
The free webinar will cover:
- Professor Munro’s joint position statement and clinical guidance on ‘The link between adult-onset hearing loss and dementia.’
- Developments since the statement’s release and their impact on audiology practice.
- Potential risks of misrepresenting the connection between hearing loss and dementia.
- Practical strategies for audiologists and hearing care professionals to responsibly manage conversations with patients and caregivers.
Paul Surridge, BIHIMA Chairman, emphasized, “This is a vital conversation in our industry and one that we need to handle carefully. While we know that untreated hearing loss can result in a reduction in cognitive function, the research into the link between dementia and hearing loss is complex. It’s important that we avoid leaning into scaremongering and instead encourage people to treat their hearing loss for positive reasons.”
The webinar will include an in-depth presentation from Professor Munro, followed by a Q&A session, offering attendees the opportunity to engage directly with one of the leading voices in audiology research and policy.
This webinar is free to attend, and all interested professionals can register via the provided link. A recording will be made available to all registrants who are unable to attend live.
For more information on Professor Kevin Munro’s contributions to the field and his ongoing efforts to drive positive change in hearing health communication, visit his recent interview with BIHIMA.
Source: BIHIMA
