Hearing Loss and Dementia

Many people with dementia will also be living with hearing loss. It is common for people to develop gradual hearing loss as they age. Research is showing that people with hearing loss are also more likely to develop dementia, although at present we don’t know why this is. Living with both conditions can present challenges, but there are many things which can help people to live well with both hearing loss and dementia.

Telling the difference between hearing loss and dementia

It is often hard to separate the signs of hearing loss from those of dementia, and often one condition may mask the other. For example, struggling to follow a conversation could be a symptom of either dementia or hearing loss.

It’s important for people with dementia to have regular hearing tests. The starting point is to speak to the GP who should refer you on to an audiology team.  Audiology tests can be adapted for people with dementia, if it is needed.
 

Problems with diagnosis

If the person has hearing loss, it can make diagnosing dementia more difficult. They may have difficulties with some of the questions they are asked in the assessment, or their hearing loss may mask the difficulties they are having. 

If the person has dementia, it may be assumed that there is no point having a hearing test, or that they won’t be able to manage the test. However, it’s important for people to have regular hearing tests and it is possible to test their hearing. It may also be assumed that any problems the person is having are because of their dementia, and people may not think to check their hearing.

Coping with dementia and hearing loss

Living with both conditions is more difficult than living with either on its own. Both dementia and hearing loss can have an impact on how someone copes day to day – for example, making it harder to communicate. They can also both lead to increased social isolation, loss of independence, and problems with everyday activities, and as a result make the person’s dementia seem worse.

However, there are things that can help.

• Having regular hearing checks and making the most of the hearing the person does have – for example, by using hearing aids.
• Improving the environment, for example by reducing background noise and distractions and making sure the area is well lit.
• Finding out the person’s preferred way of communicating – for example, lip reading.
• Using gestures and expressions, and letting people see your face when communicating.
• Using visual clues and prompts.

This information has been obtained through the Alzheimer's Society, for further information and guidance please follow this link to the Alzheimer's Society Website. 

For further support and advice for people living with dementia or for their families please see the Dementia UK website.