Most Brits do not know that hearing loss is associated with dementia, depression, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.
Less than a third of people in the UK (29%) know about the common comorbidities with hearing loss, according to a survey.
In the survey, 2,000 UK adults were questioned about their awareness of the co-existence of hearing loss and other diseases such as dementia, depression, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.
The survey found that 67% of the participants were unaware that untreated hearing loss can contribute to early onset dementia. Over half (53%) said that they had no idea that hearing loss can cause depression and other mental health problems.
Co-existing conditions
In the survey, 88% of respondents were unaware of the association between hearing loss and cardiovascular disease. 82% did not know of the link with diabetes and 75% did not know about the association between hearing loss and sleep disorders.
The age group with the least awareness were those aged between 45-54 where only 19% knew that hearing loss is a comorbidity with other health problems.
Knowledge leads to action
64% of the Brits in the survey said they would be more likely to wear a hearing instrument if they knew about the association between hearing loss and other health conditions.
The survey was commissioned by the British Irish Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (BIHIMA).
Source: The British Irish Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association, www.bihima.com
