Insight into Untreated Hearing Loss & Cognitive Decline

23 Oct 2024

In three major reviews on dementia prevention, The Lancet medical journal has identified hearing loss as the number one modifiable risk factor, meaning there’s something you can do about it.

Despite the strong links between hearing loss and cognitive decline, isolation, depression, and reduced physical activity, research shows sufferers delay seeking help for an average of 10 years. Even then, they aren’t always fully informed on how to achieve the best outcomes. Fortunately, hearing loss has become easier to treat, with significant benefits. 

Independent Master of Audiology and author Andrew Campbell has written a book that brings together the latest research on the topic, recently becoming an Amazon bestseller. Rather than paint a bleak picture, Hearing & Brain Health: Startling Links Between Untreated Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline highlights the substantial benefits of addressing hearing loss early.

Dementia is now the leading cause of death for women and the second leading cause of death for men in Australia. “With no effective medications to treat this disease, experts turn to long-term lifestyle changes to protect against cognitive decline,” says Andrew. “The primary modifiable risk factor is hearing loss.” 

Andrew advises finding an independent audiologist and ensuring hearing devices, which are usually discreet, can handle background noise and are worn consistently. 

Age and noise-related hearing loss are often under-reported because they develop gradually. “You may not notice how much your hearing has declined,” says Andrew, “but you might find you’re turning up the TV, missing parts of conversations, or avoiding noisy social situations.”

Andrew operates clinics in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, and frequently speaks at local clubs. “I enjoy presenting to Probians, as they tend to be proactive about their health and appreciate the science behind the content,” he says.

If members in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane-based clubs are interested in having Andrew as a guest speaker, his team can be contacted at [email protected]. You can find relevant content on his Hearing & Brain Health YouTube channel. Please visit www.neuaudio.com.au for more information.