Researchers Propose New Theory on How Untreated Hearing Loss May Lead to Dementia
Hearing loss has been shown to be linked to dementia in epidemiological studies and in a recently published article in the journal Neuron, a team at Newcastle University provide a new theory to explain how a disorder of the ear can lead to dementia. It is hoped that this new understanding may be a significant…
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HHTM News Round Up: A Synopsis of Recent Hearing Research Studies
This week HHTM offers readers a synopsis of some of the latest hearing research: Study Shows Relationship Between Early Hearing Loss and Alzheimer Disease Columbia University researchers, using the audiogram, word recognition scores and positron emission tomography (PET) scans were able to associate hearing loss of early onset and the presence of β-amyloid,…
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UK Study Finds Hearing Loss in Patients Taking Cognitive Tests May Result in Misdiagnosis of Dementia
The early and correct diagnosis of a cognitive impairment – such as dementia – is crucial as it allows interventions and treatments that may slow the progression of a patient’s symptoms to be quickly put in place. However, a new study by Loughborough University researcher Dr Christian Füllgrabe further supports that age-related hearing loss can negatively…
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New Study Suggests Age-Related Hearing Loss Contributes to Memory Loss
A team of neuroscience researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB) in Germany examined what happens in the brain when hearing gradually deteriorates over time. What they discovered was that key areas of the brain are reorganized, and this has a negative effect on memory. The results of the study were published last month in journal Cerebral…
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Hearing Loss in Middle Age Doubles Risk of Dementia: Study
Hearing loss in middle age was found to be associated with higher odds of cognitive decline and dementia later in life, according to a large study conducted in Taiwan published in JAMA Network Open on July 31st. Using data from more than 16,000 men and women, researchers found that a new diagnosis of hearing loss…
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Combined Vision and Hearing Loss May Increase Risk of Dementia
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA — Two studies reported at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2019 in Los Angeles found that experiencing multiple sensory impairments, such as vision and hearing problems, are associated with an increased risk of developing dementia in older adults. Emerging science shows that sensory dysfunction can increase the risk of dementia, and the new…
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New UK Study Suggests Wearing Hearing Aids May Reduce Dementia Risk
A new study out of the UK has found that people who wear a hearing aid for age-related hearing problems were able to maintain better brain function over time, compared to those who do not. The latest study helps build upon important research in recent years pulled together by the Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention,…
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Articles Offer Insights on Discussing Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline with Patients
By Brian Taylor, AuD, Editor-at-Large The relationship between hearing loss and cognitive ability has received considerable attention in the academic literature and professional publications over the past several years and for good reason. Both conditions are harmful, and because of the rapidly aging population becoming more prevalent and are likely, without improved intervention strategies, to…
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Hearing Loss, Dementia and Cargo Cult Science
The preeminent American physicist, Richard Feynman, coined the term “cargo cult science” to describe practices that on the surface appear scientific, but upon closer scrutiny lack any of the precepts of the scientific method. A January 25th JAMA viewpoint article raises the red flag on the rise of pseudoscience in the care of older adults…
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HHTM Hearing News Round-up: This Week’s Highlights
It’s the middle of summer, so grab an iced tea (or an Arnie Palmer, if that’s your thing) and catch up on some industry news. FDA States that OTC Category Does Not Yet Exist The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates hearing devices, issued a letter to hearing aid manufacturers on July…
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