It’s no secret that as we age, our ability to carry out everyday activities may decrease. A contributory factor may be a change in hearing. The impact of hearing loss is often underrated. When hearing loss occurs, some people may withdraw from everyday conversations, leading to the possibility of isolation. Our brains need stimulation from talking to others. Experts show that there can be a link between hearing loss and dementia. Research suggests that by managing hearing loss with hearing aids, the risk of dementia can be reduced.

If you notice any hearing loss, it’s important that you get your ears and hearing checked as early as possible, or if you already have hearing aids then make sure they are working and used regularly.

Dementia and the Audiology Service
In North Wales, if you are seen within the memory assessment service you will be offered an appointment to check out your hearing.

Why am I being seen for hearing assessment as part of my memory assessment?
We know that hearing and memory are linked together.
If our hearing is poor, this can affect our memory.
Poor hearing can also affect the memory assessment.
Audiology can provide hearing aids to help with our hearing.
Hearing aids can sometimes also help with our memory.
We are now doing hearing assessments for the memory clinic.

Why is it important that I attend that hearing assessment?
We know that even the smallest difficulties with hearing can affect memory.
We are keen to help you with this.

What will happen at the hearing screening appointment?
An Audiologist will ask you some questions about your hearing. The will check your ears and perform a quick hearing test to establish if you have a hearing loss or not.

What if I do have a hearing loss?
If you are found to have a hearing loss you will offered a referral to Audiology for a full hearing assessment which will include the consideration of hearing aids.
Are hearing aids worth the bother?
We have found that of patients who have gone on to have hearing aids following their hearing screen as part of the memory assessment:
90% reported that hearing aids had helped with the things that mattered to them
90% reported that hearing aids had had a positive impact on their quality of life
90% reported hearing aids had made a difference to their social interactions
50% reported hearing aids had had an impact on their loneliness (the other 50% reported they did not experience loneliness beforehand)