Dementia
- Age and genetics are the biggest unmodifiable factors in dementia risk, but other factors, including hearing loss, are also associated with dementia [1].
- The association between hearing loss and dementia is not well understood and is likely to be complex. RNID supports research to provide a better understanding of this association, which could lead to improvements in how we diagnose and treat both conditions.
- Hearing loss is linked to conditions like depression and social isolation, which are also connected to dementia. Untreated hearing loss can result in social isolation, which has been shown to increase the likelihood of developing dementia [1].
- Managing hearing loss with hearing aids can improve communication and support social engagement, both of which are important for maintaining overall well-being and brain health. However, more research is needed to fully understand how managing hearing loss might impact dementia risk.
- RNID is committed to advancing research in this area and raising awareness about the importance of addressing hearing loss as part of a broader approach to healthy aging. [2]
Access to audiology
- 38% of people who think they may have a hearing loss have not spoken to a professional about it [3].
- An estimated 8 million adults could benefit from hearing aids but only about 3 million people use them [4].
- People who visit their GP about their hearing loss are not always referred on to see an ear or hearing specialist [5].
Hearing check
- Evidence suggests that people delay seeking help for their hearing loss [6].
- A recent survey (2022) from the RNID has shown that only 6% of UK individuals, who have not been diagnosed with hearing loss, took a hearing check in the last 12 months. Despite this lack of action, a staggering 98% of individuals said that their hearing was important to them.
- A recent survey (2022) from the RNID has shown that people regularly have other health checks including a dental check-up (53%), an eye test (46%), or having their blood pressure checked (44%) [7].
Access to health
- Health services like the NHS are required, by law, to offer extra support if people with hearing loss struggle when accessing services. However, deaf people and people with hearing loss still face barriers to accessible and inclusive healthcare due to failures to meet their communication needs. [15] [16] [17]
- Unmet communication needs result in significant negative impacts for deaf people and people with hearing loss, such as avoiding seeking help, delayed or incorrect diagnosis, failure to understand a diagnosis, lack of access to care, and reduced confidence in healthcare systems and providers. [15] [16] [17]
- 7 out of 10 (70%) of deaf people and people with hearing loss had never been asked about their information and communication needs when accessing NHS care in England. [15]
- Of those in England who indicated they need a communication support professional to be present during an appointment (e.g. BSL interpreter or lipspeaker), only 7% say this is always provided. [15]
- More than half (54%) of people in England who are deaf or have hearing loss have had to rely on either a partner, family member or friend to relay information or interpret for them at a healthcare appointment, with negative consequences for their independence and privacy. [15]
- In Wales, 35% of patients say they have been denied the information and communication support they need, with 56% having to rely on a partner, family member, or friend to interpret or relay information. [15]
- The impacts of unmet communication needs include deaf people and people avoiding seeking help, delayed or incorrect diagnosis, failure to understand a diagnosis, or lack of access to care. For example, in England, 53% of sign language users surveyed did not understand the outcome of their appointment and 56% did not get the follow-up care they needed as a result of their information and communication needs not being met. [15]
Health inequalities
- People who are deaf or have hearing loss or tinnitus are more likely to experience health inequalities.
- Socioeconomic inequalities, education level and occupation may affect the likelihood of developing hearing loss [8].
- People who are deaf or have hearing loss are more likely to have multiple medical conditions and overall worse health status compared to those without hearing loss [9].
- There is a clear regional disparity in the prevalence of hearing loss, showing hearing health inequality between the North and South of England [10].
Mental health
- People who are deaf or have hearing loss are twice as likely to experience mental health problems compared to people without hearing loss [11].
- Evidence shows that the rate of depression amongst deaf BSL users is double that of the general population [12].
Ear wax
Our 2022 survey about NHS ear wax removal services found that:
- 66% of respondents had been told ear wax removal was no longer available on the NHS.
- more than a quarter of respondents could not afford to get their ear wax removed privately.
- 71% of respondents resorted to attempting to remove ear wax themselves, although two thirds did not feel confident doing this.
- people described using dangerous methods to remove their ear wax, including hair clips, paper clips, toothpicks, cotton buds and Hopi ear candles.
- after trying to remove ear wax themselves, only 20% of respondents said their problems went away [13].
Sources
[1] Read the Lancet Commission’s report on dementia prevention, intervention, and care.
[1] (1) Read this report on whether hearing aids can reduce cognitive decline.
[2] Read more about how RNID supports research to understand the link between dementia and hearing loss.
[3] Read this audiology report on primary and secondary care for hearing loss.
[4] (1) Our hearing loss population estimates and hearing loss population projections are calculated using the most robust data available on the prevalence of hearing loss for different age groups, combined with the latest available population estimates from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Read the report on hearing in adults from the MRC National Study of Hearing.
[4] (2) The estimate of 3 million people using hearing aids is based on EuroTrak 2022 – 2024 UK Survey data and Adoption. Visit the EuroTrak website. Updated July 2025.
[5] (2) Read this audiology report on primary and secondary care for hearing loss.
[5] (3) Anecdotal evidence taken from RNID’s Contact Centre and Health Programme.
[6] (2) Find out more about the impact and benefits of hearing checks.
[6] (3) Read this audiology report on primary and secondary care for hearing loss.
[7] Read RNID’s news article on the risks of not taking a hearing check.
[8] Read a study on the links between socioeconomic inequality and hearing health.
[9] Find out more in this study on the links between hearing loss and other medical conditions.
[10] Read more on the trends of hearing loss across English regions.
[11] Read more about adult mental health conditions in the UK.
[12] Read a comparison on the health of the UK deaf signing community and general population.
[13] Read RNID’s report on the impact of cutting NHS ear wax removal services (PDF, 158KB).
[15] (1) Read our report on access to healthcare services in England
[15] (2) Learn more about accessible healthcare in Wales
[15] (3) Explore our full research report on the fight for accessible healthcare in England
[16] Read this review of research about deaf sign language users’ experiences of healthcare
[17] Explore research about the experiences of deaf people using health services in Wales