Three-time world record holder and dementia advocate Louis Alexander is calling for greater awareness of earlier ear and hearing health checks, amid growing concern about the links between hearing loss and cognitive decline.
Hearing loss is the top modifiable risk factor for dementia, according to The Lancet Commission. However, a new study of more than 1,000 people conducted by ear and hearing health technology provider TympaHealth suggests many individuals are addressing hearing issues later than they would prefer. Two in five respondents with hearing loss (40%) reported they wished they had addressed it earlier. More than a quarter (28%) of those who delayed seeking help said they assumed changes in hearing were “just part of ageing” or expected the issue to resolve on its own.
Alexander, who lost his grandfather to dementia in 2019, has since committed to raising awareness of the condition and supporting efforts to reduce risk.
He is recognized by Guinness World Records as the first and only person to run marathons on all seven continents and swim marathon distances across all seven seas. He is currently working toward achieving 10 world records and raising more than £1 million (approximately $1.25 million USD) for dementia-related causes by the age of 30.
As part of these efforts, Alexander is partnering with TympaHealth to encourage greater awareness of ear and hearing health and to promote earlier intervention.
“I’ve dedicated much of my life to raising awareness of dementia and the things we can do to reduce risk before it’s too late. Hearing loss is one of the most overlooked parts of that conversation. Many people still don’t realise how closely hearing health is connected to brain health, or how long hearing loss can go undiagnosed.”
–Louis Alexander
“Early detection is critical when it comes to hearing loss—not just for communication, but for cognitive health and overall quality of life. Louis’s advocacy work and personal mission align closely with what we’re trying to achieve at TympaHealth,” added Dr. Krishan Ramdoo, CEO and founder of TympaHealth.
“By working together, we hope to challenge outdated perceptions around hearing loss and encourage people to seek checks earlier, before problems escalate.”
Research Methodology: The research was conducted between February 17–18, 2026 by Obsurvant on behalf of TympaHealth. The survey included more than 1,000 respondents across the UK aged 18 and older.
About TympaHealth
TympaHealth is a team of doctors and technology experts united by a mission to help the world achieve better ear and hearing health.
Working with a broad range of healthcare providers—including pharmacy, care, audiology, and general practice—TympaHealth provides technology, training, ongoing clinical support, and referral pathways to enable the delivery of comprehensive ear and hearing services.
Source: TympaHealth
