Hearing loss prevalence and better hearing to keep the brain active
Figures
According to a study published in the journal Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore – AAMS, an estimated 422,000 older adults in Singapore suffer from hearing loss and over 100,000 may have disabling hearing impairment.
Today Singapore recently reported on the study and importantly pointed out that these figures are expected to double by 2030. The study included 338 participants and found that disabling hearing loss rises significantly with age. Hearing disability affects approximately 9% of adults between the ages of 60 and 69, 22% between the ages of 70 and 79, and over 35% in people over 80 years of age.
In another local survey, it was found that only about a quarter (28%) of people who need hearing aids actually use them. The survey was conducted among 500 people by nessa Asia, a local start-up providing subscription-based hearing services.
According to Associate Professor Reshma Merchant, Head and Senior Consultant of the National University Hospital’s Division of Geriatric Medicine, there may be a serious problem in the country concerning undiagnosed hearing impairment. She also emphasized that social isolation and depression, often related to hearing loss, are both risk factors for dementia. In addition, people who are socially isolated also have a higher risk of hypertension and coronary heart disease, she said. The article cites emerging data showing that untreated hearing impairment is associated with a 30% to 40% acceleration in cognitive decline.
Source: Today Singapore
