START DATE AND DURATION: September 2022 - August 2025Hearing loss is the largest modifiable risk factor for dementia after age, accounting for an estimated 8% of cases (The Lancet, Livingston et al., 2020). Despite this, hearing and memory problems are not routinely addressed together in clinical care.
This ongoing PhD research explores how hearing loss and dementia are recognised and managed as co-existing conditions within the UK healthcare system. The aim is to understand why cognitive health is often overlooked in hearing services and how this can be improved.
Using a range of qualitative methods, the project will:
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Map international recommendations on how cognitive health is addressed in adult hearing services
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Identify key stakeholders involved in dementia and hearing care in the UK, and their perceived roles
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Explore the experiences of older adults and families using NHS hearing services, particularly around memory concerns
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Investigate the barriers and enablers professionals face when trying to address hearing loss and dementia together
The study involves interviews and focus groups with both patients and professionals to better understand current practices and expectations. The ultimate goal is to develop practical strategies that help hearing health professionals confidently talk about memory concerns, screen for cognitive issues, and offer tailored hearing care for older adults who may be at risk of or living with dementia.
Findings will inform guidance for professional bodies and healthcare services supporting earlier identification of cognitive decline, improving hearing aid uptake, and ultimately helping reduce the risk of dementia in later life.
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