Looking After Your Hearing and Brain Health
- Aug 20, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 7
Many people expect some changes to their hearing as they get older, but fewer people realise that hearing loss can affect brain health and increase the risk of dementia.
James Owen from Owen Hearing shares his thoughts on why hearing health matters. We have also included local support in and around Crowborough, along with recent research, to help you take practical steps.
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 has to work harder
When sounds are unclear, the brain has to work overtime to fill in the gaps. This extra effort leaves less capacity for memory, concentration and thinking.
It can lead to isolation
Hearing loss can make conversations tiring or frustrating, especially in noisy places. Over time, people may withdraw from social situations, which is linked to poorer brain health.
Parts of the brain can decline from lack of use
Areas of the brain that process sound need regular stimulation. When they are underused, they can weaken, which is associated with problems with memory and thinking later on.
It can affect memory testing If hearing problems are not picked up, people may appear to have memory difficulties when they are actually struggling to hear instructions or questions. Many specialists now recommend checking hearing as part of memory assessments.
How to protect yourself
Stay social and engaged
Keeping connected is good for both hearing and brain health. Coming along to a Good Company Club or activity can help you stay involved and confident.
Have regular hearing checks
Like eyesight or dental health, hearing should be checked regularly. If you notice changes, speak to an audiologist. Catching hearing loss early can make a real difference.
Use hearing aids if you need them
Modern hearing aids are small and sophisticated. Many connect to smartphones and adjust automatically to different environments. Most importantly, they help you stay connected to the world around you.
Keep your brain active
Reading, puzzles, learning something new or taking up a hobby can help keep the brain flexible and engaged.
Ear training and listening exercises
Alongside hearing checks and hearing aids, some people find listening exercises helpful. Apps such as Ear Gym are designed to support listening skills, focus and sound processing through short daily exercises.
Ear Gym does not replace hearing tests or hearing aids, but it can be a useful addition, particularly for people adjusting to hearing aids or wanting to feel more confident in conversations. Many people find it works best when used little and often.
Look after your general health
What is good for your body is also good for your hearing and your brain. Eating well, staying active and managing conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure all play a part.
Hearing loss is also linked to falls, loneliness and hospital admissions in older people. It is more than an inconvenience. It can affect many aspects of everyday 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.
