Living with hearing loss and dementia: lived experience and research

Hearing loss and dementia are two conditions that become more common as we get older. They can make it harder to communicate, stay connected with other people and take part in everyday life. This World Alzheimer's Day, we're exploring what hearing loss and dementia mean for people living with both conditions, and how RNID-funded research is helping us better understand their connection. Learn what we know about the association between hearing loss and dementia . David's story David is a 74 year-old retiree from Nottinghamshire, who has been diagnosed with mixed dementia (Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia). David's journey with hearing loss started years before his dementia diagnosis. My wife noticed it first, she’d ask me things, and I’d miss them, or I’d think she was nagging. But really, my hearing was going. Eventually, I got tested, and they found out it was the high and low ranges I was missing.” His hearing aids help David experience details he missed before. With them, I can hear the birds singing when we go for a walk. Without them, I don't hear their wonderful songs." The challenges of both conditions Living with both dementia and hearing loss is challenging in ways that often compound each other, David said. Sometimes, I’ll miss what someone’s saying, and if I can’t remember it after a few minutes, I have to ask again. It can be frustrating, and it feels like I’m asking the same thing over and over.” His wife often helps, reminding him when he misses a word or a phrase. The effects of hearing loss and dementia on his communication can be isolating: I think it can get you down a bit. If you keep missing things and not remembering, it’s like the world gets further away. You can start feeling more alone.” Research has identified an association between hearing loss and dementia, and RNID’s ongoing research aims to better understand the nature of that relationship. This has raised David’s awareness about how crucial hearing care is, and he hopes that hearing an