Suffering hearing loss? It could be hidden sign you’re at risk of a terrifying, independence robbing condition that affects thousands
Researchers have discovered that millions of Brits who suffer some degree of hearing loss could be at risk of debilitating Parkinson’s disease.
Experts from Lancaster University found every 10-decibel increase in hearing loss corresponded to a 57 per cent increased risk of the degenerative condition.
For context, the average person can hear sounds that are 20 decibels (dB) and above.
If a person can’t hear sounds between 21 and 40dB they are considered to suffer mild hearing loss and will struggle to pick out quiet noises like someone speaking in a noisy environment.
Moderate hearing loss is defined as struggling to hear 41 to 70dB noises, while profound hearing loss is problems with sounds over 95dB, which includes loud noises like jackhammers and ambulance sirens.
Publishing their findings in the journal Parkinsonism and Related Disorders, the authors said it was unclear if hearing loss actually caused Parkinson’s or if it was a potential early sign of the condition developing.
Dr Megan Readman, from Lancaster’s Department of Psychology and leader of the study, said: ‘We do not know whether hearing loss can cause Parkinson’s, or if there is a common underlying cause for both conditions.’
However, she said the findings suggesting a link had potential implications for identifying those patients who may be at risk.
Experts from Lancaster University found every 10-decibel increase in hearing loss corresponded to a 57 per cent increased risk of Parkinson’s. Stock image
‘These findings are incredibly important; first, this is one of the first studies to look at how hearing impairments may increase risk for Parkinson’s or be an early warning sign of Parkinson’s,’ she said.
Fellow author Professor Christoper Plack, also of Lancaster’s Department of Psychology, added: ‘It is increasingly clear that hearing loss is not an isolated condition but is associated with several other disorders.
‘Understanding these links is vital if we are to provide effective patient care, improving independence and quality of life for the individuals concerned.’
Parkinson’s is estimated to affect around one in 37 Brits, most of who are aged over 50.
It is a poorly understood condition which sees nerve cells in the brain become progressively damaged over years leading to a range of symptoms including mobility issues and tremors.
It has no cure, and the disease is progressive meaning it will get worse over time, though treatments are available to manage symptoms and maintain quality of life for as long as possible.
While it doesn’t kill directly, the condition places great strain on the body which in turn can leave patients vulnerable to potentially deadly infections.
In the new study, experts analysed health data from 159,395 people aged between 40 and 69,
Symptoms can include uncontrollable tremors, slow movements and muscle stiffness, but experts say they often only appear when about 80 per cent of the nerve cells have been lost
All participants undertook standard hearing tests and didn’t have Parkinson’s when they were first tested over a decade ago.
Their health records were then monitored for an average of 14 years with any subsequent diagnoses of the condition recorded in that time.
Of the study group, 810 were subsequently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Charity Parkinson’s UK estimates there are 153,000 people in the UK currently living with the condition.
Brits are advised to contact their GP if they think their hearing has gradually gotten worse.
However, people with sudden changes to their hearing in one or both ears, are advised to call NHS 111 for an urgent appointment as it can, rarely, be a sign of conditions like a growing tumour or a serious infection.
The Royal National Institute for Deaf People hosts a free online hearing test which takes about three minutes that can be accessed by visiting the charity’s website.
