Geraldton audiologist says hearing loss has links to dementia and urges protection in loud industries,

A local audiologist is urging people exposed to loud noises not to delay a hearing test, after studies reveal hearing loss is a “significant” modifiable risk factor against dementia.

A 2020 Lancet commission study revealed evidence modifying hearing loss and 11 other risk factors could prevent or delay up to 40 per cent of dementias.

Audika Geraldton audiologist Sarah Firns said reducing noise exposure at a young age could prevent future hearing loss or damage, and industries where a person was exposed to loud noises increased the risk of hearing loss.

“Anyone that works in noisy industries, for example mining, agriculture and farming, when you’re repeatedly exposed to noise it can affect your hearing,” she said.

Ms Firns said in Geraldton she tested at least one patient a day exposed to industries with loud noise at one stage or another, and saw significantly more people exposed to loud industries in Geraldton compared to Perth.

“We see it quite a lot, especially now with the older generation coming in for tests. When we ask them about their lifestyle they say they have worked with noise in the past, and when you look at the test results it makes sense,” she said.

“There’s links between hearing loss and things like dementia. They found that hearing loss was one of the modifiable risk factors for dementia.”

Hearing loss can also take an emotional toll on a person. Ms Firns said when social activities become a difficult task people begin to isolate themselves from groups.

“It makes it harder to join in on conversations, which can lead to isolation and loneliness. Because they aren’t hearing at these social events they stop going,” she said.

Ms Firns encouraged the use of hearing aids for hearing loss and reducing hearing loss by protecting ears from excessive noise exposure.

“Wear hearing protection, even if you’re mowing a lawn at home, that’s a loud sound so it’s good to wear hearing protection. It’s the repeated exposure to noise that affects the hearing,” she said.

Ms Firns said certain stigma could prevent someone from having their hearing checked, such as what hearing aids might look like, or they might associate hearing loss with age.

“Once you have a problem in the inner ear it’s usually irreversible, so when we’re exposed to loud noise over time it damages the hair cells in the inner ear,” she said.

Ms Firns said ordering custom-made earplugs fitted to the ear canal was a good option for employees in loud noise industries. She also recommended downloading an app with a sound level metre that can signal areas where sound could be damaging.

“In Geraldton there are a lot of people working in mining and agricultural industries, so it’s important they’re having their hearing checked,” she said.