top of page

Look after your hearing to prevent dementia

We all expect to have a few issues with hearing as we get older, but not many people know that hearing loss can increase your risk of developing dementia.


James Owen from Owen Hearing shares his thoughts on why hearing health matters, and we’ve also included some local support in Crowborough and the latest research to help you take action.


Many of us will go through hearing loss at some point but there is a lot we can do to turn the volume up on life. Remember, ageing is a journey we all share and we can make it a rich, fulfilling adventure if we stay connected, stay engaged and, above all, stay positive. James Owen

Why does hearing loss affect the brain?

Your brain works harder

When you cannot hear clearly, your brain has to work overtime to make sense of sounds. That leaves less brainpower for memory, thinking and other tasks.


It can lead to isolation

People with hearing loss often find noisy social situations frustrating or tiring. This can lead to withdrawal from friends and activities, which is bad for brain health.


The brain can shrink from lack of use

When parts of the brain that process sound are not used regularly, they can shrink or decline. This is linked to problems with memory and thinking in later life.


Hearing loss can also affect memory testing

If hearing problems are not picked up early, people may be misdiagnosed or thought to have memory issues when in fact they are simply not hearing well. Experts now suggest hearing should be checked before memory assessments.


How to protect yourself


Stay social and engaged

Coming to a Good Company Club can help you stay connected. Socialising and keeping your brain active is good for your overall wellbeing.


Have regular hearing check-ups

Like your eyesight or teeth, your hearing should be checked regularly. If you notice any changes, speak to an audiologist. Catching hearing loss early can make a big difference.


Use hearing aids if you need them

Today’s hearing aids are small and clever. Many connect to your phone and can do everything from tracking your steps to recording how often you meet friends. Most importantly, they help you hear the world around you.


Keep your brain active

Reading, doing puzzles or learning something new can help keep your brain strong and flexible.


Look after your general health

What’s good for your body is also good for your brain and hearing. Eat well, stay active and manage conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.


Hearing loss is also linked to falls, loneliness and hospital admissions in older people. It’s more than an inconvenience – it can affect every part of life.


How family and friends can help

  • Encourage regular hearing tests and offer to go with them

  • Talk about the benefits of hearing aids in a positive way

  • Choose quiet, well-lit spaces for conversations

  • Face the person when speaking and avoid background noise


Local hearing support in Crowborough and nearby

East Sussex Hearing A local charity helping people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Services include:

  • NHS hearing aid maintenance (free)

  • Ear health checks

  • British Sign Language (BSL) courses

They run sessions at Crowborough Community Centre:

  • Second Monday of each month from 11:30am to 12:30pm

  • Fourth Wednesday of each month from 11:30am to 12:30pm

Owen Hearing A local family-run business offering:

  • Clinical ear care

  • Wax removal

  • Custom hearing protection

  • Home visits and evening appointments

Call 01892 458901 to book.

The Hearing Care Partnership at Arthur Hayes Eyecare Located on Croft Road. Services include:

  • Free hearing tests

  • Ear wax removal

  • Tinnitus support

  • A wide choice of hearing aids

Call 01892 883701 for appointments.

Scrivens Hearing Care at Saxonbury House Medical Group Located in Crowborough. Offers:

  • Free NHS hearing aids for people over 55

  • Free hearing checks

  • Digital hearing aid servicing

Call 0800 027 5102 to book.

NHS audiology at The Beacon Surgery You can access NHS audiology services via a referral from your GP. Services include:

  • Hearing assessments

  • Hearing aid fittings and repairs



New research and breakthroughs

  • Wearing hearing aids in your 60s can help protect your brain. People who start using them early may be much less likely to develop dementia later on. Read more

  • Untreated hearing loss is now linked to almost a third of dementia cases. This shows how important it is to spot problems early and take action. Read more

  • Most people living with Alzheimer’s also have hearing loss, but many are not using hearing aids. Getting the right support can improve communication and quality of life. Read more

  • Hearing aids do more than make things louder. They can reduce the effort it takes to follow conversations, which gives your brain more energy for memory and focus. Read more

  • New smart hearing aids use artificial intelligence to cut out background noise and adapt in real time. This makes it easier to join in conversations, even in noisy places. Read more

  • Protecting your hearing in your 50s can have long-term benefits. Experts now believe that looking after your hearing earlier in life could reduce your risk of dementia later on. Read more



Final thoughts

Hearing loss is common, but it does not have to lead to dementia or disconnection. With regular checks, early treatment and a bit of support from those around us, we can all enjoy clearer conversations and healthier brains for longer.


If you need help getting started or want to know more about local services, contact The Good Company People or speak to your club Concierge. We're always here to help.



bottom of page