Hearing impacts mental and physical health – Kingston audiologist explains more 

A global study shows that looking after your ears is more than just about being able to hear better. Farah Kiani, Director and Clinical Audiologist at The Kingston Hearing Services explains more.

"Hearing loss the most significant potentially reversible risk factor for dementia" - Royal National Institute for Deaf People 

One in five adults in the UK are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus - that's about 12 million people. 

Hearing loss is now so common that approximately 40 per cent of adults over 50 experience some degree of hearing loss and that figure rises to 70 per cent for people over 70. 

However, a large proportion of people do not seek support for their hearing loss. 

Many view hearing loss as an integral part of ageing that they need to get on with, others may not realise they have a hearing loss and some find it hard to admit to their symptoms. 

However, I believe that a major contributor in the hesitancy to seek support for hearing loss is a lack of awareness of the importance of doing so. 

Risks associated with untreated hearing loss

Leading health organisations such as The Royal National Institute of Deaf People and the Alzhemier's Society have warned that even a mild hearing loss can double the risk of dementia, and a moderate hearing loss can triple it. 

Untreated hearing loss can also be associated with difficulty communicating, depression, anxiety, social isolation, cognitive problems and a higher risk of falls. 

Hearing loss can also affect employability. 

Causes of hearing loss

Causes of hearing loss may include, viral infections, ear Infections, a build up of ear wax, exposure to noise, trauma and age-related hearing loss. 

Treating Hearing loss

The first step to treating hearing loss is getting a thorough evaluation from a hearing care professional. 

Kingston Hearing Services provides audiological care designed to identify and manage any type of hearing loss. 

Farah Kiani is the Director and Clinical Audiologist at The Kingston Hearing Services (Credit: Tilly O'Brien)

Speaking about this, Kiani said: "The upsides are clear – those in the research sample fitted with a hearing aid reported feeling younger, more empowered, and closer to loved ones.

"People are 20% less likely to 'feel old', 1 in 3 felt more in control, and 1

Risks associated with untreated hearing loss

Leading health organisations such as The Royal National Institute of Deaf People and the Alzhemier's Society have warned that even a mild hearing loss can double the risk of dementia, and a moderate hearing loss can triple it.

Untreated hearing loss can also be associated with difficulty communicating, depression, anxiety, social isolation, cognitive problems and a higher risk of falls.

Hearing loss can also affect employability.

Causes of hearing loss

Causes of hearing loss may include, viral infections, ear Infections, a build up of ear wax, exposure to noise, trauma and age-related hearing loss.

Treating Hearing loss

The first step to treating hearing loss is getting a thorough evaluation from a hearing care professional.

Kingston Hearing Services provides audiological care designed to identify and manage any type of hearing loss.

The clinic has the latest state-of-the-art equipment (Credit: Tilly O'Brien)

With a wealth of education and experience behind her, Kiani's personalised assessment and treatment plans allow her patients to enhance their hearing and enrich their quality of life.

Kiani's clinic also offers a wide range of services, including various hearing tests, hearing aid fittings, speech testing, wax removal (micro suction and irrigation), and it caters to people of all ages from as young as five years old.

Treatment for permanent hearing loss

If it is determined that you have a permanent hearing loss, you have the option of trying hearing aids.

Studies have shown that people who use hearing aids are less likely to develop dementia. Hearing aid use not only improves your hearing and quality of life but they have also been associated with fewer memory and cognitive problems.

If you decide to try hearing aids, The Kingston Hearing Services sells a variety of hearing aids catered to individuals' needs.

The Hearing Services Kingston provides a variety of different hearing aids from different brands (Credit: Tilly O'Brien)

When it comes to hearing aids, Kiani says that she does not "favour" one brand as she likes her patients to have a choice on what works best for them.

So why not book an appointment at The Kingston Hearing Services' pristine clinic, located in The Triangle in Kingston?

Kiani's clinic also offers home services for people who cannot make it to the clinic.

You can book an appointment either on the clinic's website here, by calling +4402078560319, or by emailing [email protected].

The clinic's lovely Practice Manager, Karlie Bardon, will be more than happy to help.

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