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Although dementia is most commonly thought to affect memory and cognition, there are also associated changes to sensory function as dementia can affect all areas of the brain.
Any change to the way we see, hear, smell, taste or touch can lead to increased confusion, anxiety and dysregulation. Therefore, understanding how sensory changes might affect a person can help people living with dementia, family members and carers to put strategies in place to make life a little easier to navigate.
Changes to Hearing and the Relationship with Dementia
Age-related hearing loss is common and something that can affect anyone. Sometimes changes in hearing may occur around the same time as the onset of dementia and they can impact each
other.
Some research has identified hearing loss as a risk factor for dementia, however it is a risk which can be reduced with certain changes.
The relationship between hearing and dementia is two-way: physical changes to the auditory cortex in the brain caused by dementia can cause hearing loss, whilst the effects of hearing loss can cause brain changes. Some hearing loss may be peripheral, for example, the loss of ability to detect sounds, or it can be central hearing loss which is related to processing sounds in the brain and this is more likely caused by dementia.
Ongoing studies are looking at whether addressing early hearing loss through use of hearing aids could reduce the risk or slow progression of dementia.
Effect of Changes to Hearing in People Living with Dementia
Whether caused by hearing loss or dementia, auditory changes might start to affect the way a person hears and interprets sounds. You may find that:
For a person already living with impaired hearing, the onset of dementia can make the management of hearing loss more difficult and negatively impact the person.
They may become socially isolated and miss conversations or information resulting in reduced brain function.
The person needs to focus so heavily on what they are trying to hear that they neglect some of their other cognitive functions, such as memory or attention.
Increased sensitivity to sound may be startling or interpreted as something entirely different which then increases symptoms of confusion.
Noisy environments can heighten confusion, agitation and anxiety as filtering sounds becomes more difficult.
Hearing changes can affect confidence, leading to a person becoming withdrawn and isolated. In turn this may cause some dementia symptoms to worsen or speed up the cognitive decline.
Managing Hearing Loss in Dementia
If you notice these changes in yourself or a loved one, there are some methods to ensure you or they stay safe and well.
Ear health is important. A GP should always be consulted if a person experiences sudden hearing loss in one or both ears or any other ear-related symptoms, pain or discharge. Ear clinics can also check for earwax or fluid buildup.
Occasionally, hearing can be affected by certain medications, so if this happens it is important to discuss it with the GP.
GPs can refer to audiologists for hearing tests, but many pharmacies and opticians now offer hearing checks too and these are sometimes free of charge. (Treatment may need to be paid for). The RNID also offers an online hearing test to give an indication of any potential hearing loss.
If required, ensure a hearing aid is worn and make sure the batteries are changed regularly. Hearing aids can positively impact day to day living, enabling people to maintain communication and reduce social isolation.
Hearing aids are available on both the NHS and privately. Advancements mean that there is greater variety in style and size of hearing aids now; some fit right inside the ear but these can be fiddly.
Technological advances mean there are alternative assistive devices now available for people who struggle to wear hearing aids. For example, portable listeners and TV or phone amplifiers, home loop systems, as well as lots of household aids such as doorbells and alarms that can flash or vibrate.
Try to avoid noisy environments and reduce any background noise.
Speak clearly and slowly in a quiet area and when visible to the person with dementia.
Ask people to write things down if that is easier - keeping a small notebook or small whiteboard and pen can be helpful.
If a person becomes noise-sensitive and finds noisy environments increase anxiety, then noise cancelling ear protectors can be worn.
Get Help and Support for a Person Living with Dementia
If you need help in supporting someone with symptoms of dementia, then our team of Wayfinders are on hand to assist. Ear clinics are also held at Sage House Tangmere. For more details, contact the Sage House Tangmere reception on 01243 888691.