Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are among the most pressing challenges in social care today. While breakthroughs in treatment remain limited, attention is increasingly being turned to prevention. Increasing evidence shows that slowing down cognitive decline and in turn the onset of dementia, could lie in resolving hearing issues.
Untreated hearing loss is now recognised as the single largest modifiable risk factor for dementia. According to the Lancet Commission’s Dementia prevention, intervention and care: 2024 report, hearing loss may account for up to 7% of global dementia cases. That is more than diabetes, smoking or physical inactivity.
However, worryingly, in care settings across the UK, hearing health is too often left unchecked – creating hidden costs for residents, staff and the wider system. This was reflected in Care England’s Hearing loss in care homes: A call to action, which revealed that many residents with hearing loss go undiagnosed and unsupported, leading to isolation and cognitive decline. It also found that access to audiology services and earwax removal remains inadequate, despite known risks.
The hidden costs of overlooking ear and hearing health
Hearing problems in older adults are common, yet they often go unnoticed in busy care environments. A resident may appear withdrawn, unresponsive or confused, when in reality, they are struggling to hear. Over time, this lack of stimulation puts extra strain on the brain, contributing to cognitive decline. It can also impact staff too. For example, it can lead to greater difficulty in communicating with residents, while leading to avoidable costs linked to falls, hospital admissions and escalating care needs.
When speaking to care home managers, those that have introduced in-house ear and hearing health services have reported reduced time spent on escorting, co-ordination and follow-up appointments, meaning more time can be spent on holistic, person-centred care. They have also reported fewer cases of miscommunication and engagement with loved ones, which is vital in ensuring people stay mentally engaged, thereby supporting brain health.
Why prevention is key
The encouraging news is that prevention is achievable, and it starts with small steps. Implementing in-house services creates opportunities for early intervention and ongoing management, meaning ear and hearing health becomes a part of routine care for residents, much like optical or dental appointments.
This preventative approach must also be taken when it comes to staff training. When care teams understand the signs of hearing decline, they can act sooner and avoid mistaking hearing issues for memory loss for example. This includes looking out for behaviours such as frequent requests for repetition, difficulty following conversations in noisy environments or turning the television up to uncomfortable levels.
Technology that supports prevention
Modern technology now allows comprehensive ear and hearing checks to be delivered in care homes, clinics or residents’ homes, making early detection easier than ever.
Portable ear and hearing health platforms can be easily delivered at an individual’s bedside, helping residents and care providers to navigate long NHS waiting lists for ear and hearing health checks, ensuring timely care. This also minimises disruption to residents, reducing anxiety and stress which could lead to depression. This is vital given research has shown that almost half of dementia cases worldwide could be prevented or delayed if everyone took steps to manage their mental health.
Proactive, person-centred care shows a real commitment to dignity, autonomy and inclusion – the foundations of excellent care. It also builds trust with residents and families while aligning closely with the CQC’s focus on safe, effective and responsive care.
The bottom line
While there is no current cure for Alzheimer’s disease, care providers can play their part in reducing the impact on society by acting on the risk factors, including hearing loss, and in doing so, protect residents’ wellbeing and reduce future care challenges.
For care managers, the message is clear – untreated hearing loss carries hidden costs. Prevention, on the other hand, delivers long-term cost benefits for residents, staff and family members.
What steps have been taken to manage residents’ hearing health in your care setting? Comment on this column or join the conversation to share your thoughts.
Krishan Ramdoo is Chief Executive Officer and Founder of TympaHealth. Email: [email protected] LinkedIn : @TympaHealth-Technologies-Ltd