A new study led by Lancaster University suggests that hearing loss may be a risk factor for developing Parkinson’s disease, reinforcing the growing recognition that sensory deficits could serve as early indicators of neurodegenerative conditions.
Key Findings from the Study
Published in Parkinsonism and Related Disorders, the study titled “Speech-in-noise hearing impairment is associated with increased risk of Parkinson’s: A UK Biobank Analysis” examined the relationship between hearing loss and Parkinson’s incidence using data from the UK Biobank. The study analyzed information from 159,395 participants who had undergone a speech-in-noise hearing test but had no prior history of Parkinson’s disease.
Over an average follow-up period of 14.24 years, 810 participants developed Parkinson’s. The researchers found that for every 10-decibel increase in hearing impairment, the risk of Parkinson’s increased by 57%. These findings support previous research that has linked hearing loss to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders, including dementia.
Dr. Megan Readman, ESRC Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Lancaster University’s Department of Psychology and lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of these findings.
“These findings are incredibly important; first, this is one of the first studies to look at how hearing impairments may increase risk for Parkinson’s or be an early warning sign of Parkinson’s.”
The Connection Between Hearing Loss and Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder primarily characterized by motor symptoms such as bradykinesia, tremor, and rigidity. However, non-motor symptoms—including cognitive decline, sleep disturbances, and sensory impairments—are increasingly recognized as key components of the disease.
Previous studies have indicated that hearing loss is associated with an increased risk of developing dementia, with hypotheses suggesting that shared underlying mechanisms, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, or vascular impairment, may contribute to both hearing loss and neurodegenerative conditions.
The current study builds on this evidence by showing that speech-in-noise hearing impairment, rather than self-reported hearing difficulties, correlates with an increased risk of Parkinson’s. Unlike self-reported measures, which may be influenced by subjective bias, speech-in-noise tests assess auditory processing capabilities that involve both peripheral and central nervous system functions.
Implications for Diagnosis and Care
While the study does not establish a causal link between hearing loss and Parkinson’s, it highlights the potential role of auditory assessments in identifying individuals at higher risk for developing the disease. This could have significant implications for early detection and intervention.
“As our findings suggest, hearing loss is intricately related to Parkinson’s, so it may be beneficial for auditory functioning and the management of auditory impairment to be considered at the time of diagnosis and follow-up care.”
–Dr. Megan Readman
Professor Christopher Plack, another author of the study, added, “It is increasingly clear that hearing loss is not an isolated condition but is associated with several other disorders. Understanding these links is vital if we are to provide effective patient care, improving independence and quality of life for the individuals concerned.”
The findings suggest that routine hearing assessments, particularly speech-in-noise testing, may help healthcare providers monitor at-risk individuals more effectively. If hearing loss is identified early, interventions such as hearing aids or auditory rehabilitation might play a role in mitigating some of the neurodegenerative processes associated with Parkinson’s.
Future Research and Clinical Implications
Although this study provides compelling evidence of a relationship between hearing impairment and Parkinson’s, further research is needed to determine whether hearing loss is a contributing factor to the disease or an early symptom of neurodegeneration. Understanding the mechanisms linking auditory dysfunction and Parkinson’s could open pathways for earlier detection and potentially new interventions.
The study authors recommend longitudinal research to investigate whether treating hearing impairment can slow or alter the progression of Parkinson’s disease. If interventions such as hearing aids or auditory training are found to positively impact disease onset or severity, this could significantly influence clinical guidelines for Parkinson’s screening and management.
These findings emphasize the importance of including auditory health assessments as part of neurological evaluations. Increased awareness among healthcare professionals about the association between hearing impairment and neurodegenerative diseases may lead to earlier diagnoses, allowing for better management strategies and improved patient outcomes.
Reference:
Readman MR, Wang Y, Wan F, Linkenauger SA, Crawford TJ, Plack CJ. Speech-in-noise hearing impairment is associated with increased risk of Parkinson’s: A UK Biobank Analysis. Parkinsonism & Related Disorders. 2025;131:107219. DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2024.107219.
Source: PRD, LU
