Mar 02, 2018

Dementia, Depression Warning Marks World Hearing Day

Australians are asked to ‘hear the future and prepare for it’, by committing to ear health for life, as the nation marks World Hearing Day on 3 March.

The Minister responsible for Australia’s hearing services program, Ken Wyatt AM, said the social, mental and economic impact of deafness was profound.

“We know that staying connected through hearing is vital for our emotional wellbeing,” said Minister Wyatt.

“However, new international research now indicates deafness and the failure to use hearing aids can increase the risk of dementia by more than 20 per cent and, in men, markedly raise depression risk.

“It also costs our community dearly, with the annual direct economic impact of poor hearing in Australia estimated at $15.9 billion.”

One in seven Australians suffer from hearing loss – around 3.6 million people – with more than 90 per cent of these aged over 50. Due to the ageing population, by 2050 the number affected is expected to rise to one in four.

“Hearing loss becomes more common as we get older but over 1.3 million Australians are living with a hearing condition that could have been prevented,” Minister Wyatt said.

“There is also growing evidence of deafness being caused by recreational noise. For example, it is estimated that in Europe, more than four million people suffer from hearing problems from the use of headphones.

“While avoiding hearing damage is best, modern hearing assistance can do wonders, so it’s important to have regular hearing checks and to seek help early.”

The Australian Government’s Hearing Services Program provides free or subsidised hearing services and devices to eligible Australians. In 2016–17, more than 750,000 Australian benefitted from its services.

The research paper Death, Depression, Disability and Dementia Associated With Self-Reported Hearing Loss Problems: A 25-Year Study was published in The Journals of Gerontology 2018 and to be presented to the European Parliament in March 2018, as part of World Hearing Week.

It found that unaddressed hearing loss raised the risk of incapacity to carry out basic daily activities such as eating, showering and getting dressed by 28 per cent. It found the failure to use hearing aids increased dementia risk by 21 per cent and, in men, increased the risk of depression by 43 per cent.

 

What do you have to say? Comment, share and like below.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

You Are What You Eat: Healthy Eating for Older Adults

The week 14-20 October is National Nutrition Week, a time to think about our food choices, now, and as we age. Nutrition is important no matter what age you are – it’s just as important to get it right when you are aged 85 years as it is when you are in your teens. Living... Read More

Aged care elevated to cabinet

  The aged care ministry has been promoted to the highest level of government in the wake of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic and amid repeated scandals in the sector and a royal commission. The changes are part of a highly anticipated cabinet reshuffle, brought about by the departure of former finance minister Mathias Cormann. Much... Read More

Lockdowns make people lonely: Here are 3 steps we can take now to help each other

While lockdowns and other social distancing restrictions are important strategies to protect Australians’ physical health during the pandemic, it’s no secret they take a significant toll on mental health. Read More
Advertisement