Health authorities in the UAE are urging elderly citizens to use hearing aids, as refusal to do so can lead to an increased risk of chronic conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s, according to a leading Emirati doctor.
Dr. Ahmad Al Shamsi, a seasoned otologist and cochlear implant surgeon at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) in Abu Dhabi, emphasized that regular use of hearing aids significantly reduces the risk of severe health issues and fatal outcomes. “Recently, a colleague’s father, who had stopped using his hearing aid, reached a point where he couldn’t understand anything even with the aid. The only solution now is a cochlear implant,” Dr. Shamsi explained.
In another instance, Dr. Shamsi recounted the case of a 75-year-old man with hearing loss who became socially isolated due to his inability to hear conversations, leading to significant mental and emotional distress.
Isolation and Health Risks
Dr. Shamsi, who chairs the otolaryngology – head and neck surgery (ENT) division, warned that untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation. “Imagine being in a room full of people talking, but you can’t understand anything because of your hearing loss, and you refuse to use a hearing aid. That person will slowly start isolating themselves, which can lead to decreased brain function and potentially Alzheimer’s and dementia.”
He highlighted findings from multiple studies, including one published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity journal, which linked regular hearing aid use to lower mortality risks. A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine also found that even mild hearing loss doubled the risk of dementia.
“In several cases, children have told me that their elderly parents have started forgetting things, showing signs of Alzheimer’s. Isolation causes dementia and Alzheimer’s, which can lead to trauma and even death,” Dr. Shamsi told Khaleej Times.
Overcoming Stigma
Dr. Shamsi noted that many elderly individuals avoid hearing aids due to the stigma of appearing old. “These issues often affect active seniors who suddenly realize they suffer from hearing loss. They can see lips moving but can’t understand anything, which impacts them psychologically.”
He urged seniors to overcome this stigma and use hearing aids, assuring them that it would greatly improve their quality of life. “They will live normally and not feel ashamed to participate in conversations.”
Impact on All Ages
Hearing aids are crucial for all age groups, including children with hearing impairments. “Children with sensorineural hearing loss will experience speech delays if they don’t use hearing aids, affecting their entire school life,” Dr. Shamsi emphasized.
Economic Impact
The World Health Organization warns that by 2050, 1 in 4 people worldwide will have some degree of hearing loss. Unaddressed hearing loss currently costs the global economy $980 billion annually due to health sector expenses, educational support costs, loss of productivity, and societal costs.
“If untreated, a large population with hearing loss will have a significant economic impact. Early detection is essential,” Dr. Shamsi highlighted.
The UAE health authorities provide all available treatments, including hearing aids, surgeries, medical treatments, and cochlear implants, free of charge at public hospitals. “Even the most expensive treatments, like cochlear implants, are provided free of cost at government hospitals,” Dr. Shamsi said.
