Hearing loss and the connections with dementia. Local expert Khiyam Hussain from Hear Better With Us explains more.

"Hearing loss the most significant potentially reversible risk factor for dementia" - Royal National Institute for Deaf People

One in five adults in the UK are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus - that's about 12 million people.

Hearing loss is now so common that approximately 40 per cent of adults over 50 experience some degree of hearing loss and that figure rises to 70 per cent for people over 70.

However, a large proportion of people do not seek support for their hearing loss.

Many view hearing loss as an integral part of ageing that they need to get on with, others may not realise they have a hearing loss and some find it hard to admit to their symptoms.

However, I believe that a major contributor in the hesitancy to seek support for hearing loss is a lack of awareness of the importance of doing so.

Risks associated with untreated hearing loss

Leading health organisations such as The Royal National Institute of Deaf People and the Alzhemier's Society have warned that even a mild hearing loss can double the risk of dementia, and a moderate hearing loss can triple it.

Untreated hearing loss can also be associated with difficulty communicating, depression, anxiety, social isolation, cognitive problems and a higher risk of falls.

Hearing loss can also affect employability.

Causes of hearing loss

Causes of hearing loss may include, viral infections, ear Infections, a build up of ear wax, exposure to noise, trauma and age-related hearing loss.

Hear Better With Us recently celebrated its third anniversary (image supplied)

Treating Hearing loss

The first step to treating hearing loss is getting a thorough evaluation from a hearing care professional.

At Hear Better With Us we offer hearing health checks.

This includes a free examination. If it is identified that a buildup of wax is causing hearing loss, we can normally remove it for you at the same appointment for a fixed fee, if you wish.

However, if no wax is present, we won't charge you a penny for the examination!

If the examination shows that the ear canal is clear, you will be offered a free hearing test and consultation. With over 15 years' experience, our audiologist is well adept to evaluate and discuss your test results with you in detail.

Treatment for permanent hearing loss

If it is determined that you have a permanent hearing loss, you have the option of trying hearing aids.

Studies have shown that people who use hearing aids are less likely to develop dementia. Hearing aid use not only improves your hearing and quality of life but they have also been associated with fewer memory and cognitive problems.

If you decide to try hearing aids, Hear Better With Us offers a free trial period for you to try the latest devices in hearing aid technology.

The purpose of the trial is for you try hearing aids in your own environment and day to day life situations to see whether they make a difference for you.

If they do, we will be there to help support your through the rest of your journey with our five-year premium after care plan. But if not, that's fine too – at least you know!

You'll always be welcome to come back try again in the future, if you wish.

Hear Better With Us was founded by Khiyam Hussain, who has over 15 years of experience working as an audiologist (image supplied)

Hear Better With Us

So, why not take the next step in looking after your hearing health and book an appointment with us at our light and airy, five-star Google rated clinic in the Oaks Precinct Kenilworth.

We have ample parking right outside the clinic and are located on the ground floor with disabled access.

We also offer late appointments (up to 7pm) to cater for those working during the week.

Hear Better With Us is based at 1 Oaks Precinct, Kenilworth, CV8 1DP and operates on an appointment only basis.

Bookings can be made by phone on 0330 133 0655 or by email [email protected].

Or find out more on the website here.