Hearing is about more than just sound…
Our ears hear the world. Our brain makes sense of it - this is where listening begins.
Hearing loss can quietly change daily life, making conversations harder, social situations tiring, and several things sound muffled.
At Deane Audiology, we take the time to understand what you find challenging - socially, cognitively, and emotionally and professionally. Using advanced assessments and best-practice clinical protocols, we uncover how you hear and process sound, then create a personalised plan to help you reconnect with what matters most. Throughout the process, we emphasise education and proactive hearing care, supporting long-term hearing health and overall wellness.
Early Action Matters
Landmark research published in The Lancet in 2011 (followed by others in 2017, 2020, and2024 ) marked the first time audiology was included in a major, multi-disciplinary ageing study in the United States. Over 12 years, more than 600 adults in their early 60s — all dementia-free at the outset — were followed into their 70s. While hearing was just one of many health factors measured, the findings were striking: untreated mild hearing loss was associated with a two-fold increased risk of developing dementia, moderate loss with a three-fold risk, and severe loss with a five-fold risk.
The study drew international attention, including the cover of The New York Times, and has since been reinforced by leading institutions such as Harvard Medical School.
Hearing Facts
What is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss is essentially a communication challenge, caused by a reduced sensitivity to sounds that we would normally perceive. It affects how we engage with others and can impact quality of life and cognitive health if left unaddressed.
I Can Hear but I Often Can’t Understand
Hearing and listening are two very different processes. Hearing is passive and listening is a dynamic process of the brain.
The acoustic information that is delivered from the ear to the brain goes through a complex process of transcription, filtering, examining and analysing. Once we make sense of the information received from the speaker and respond with an appropriate reaction, the communication process is complete as there is a shared understanding between you and your conversation partner.
How is Hearing related to Cognition
Cognition describes the mental processes the brain uses to gain knowledge and make sense of the world through thinking, experience, and the senses. We operate in a richly layered sound environment where hearing works hand in hand with attention, memory, and higher-level thinking. Together, these systems shape how effectively we listen.
As seen above, there is a growing body of research indicating a clear link between hearing ability and cognitive function. This connection influences how successfully a person can use their hearing in day-to-day life.
Types of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can happen at any stage of life, either gradually or suddenly. There are three primary types:
Conductive – when sound cannot efficiently pass through the outer or middle ear.
Sensorineural – caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve.
Mixed – a combination of both conductive and sensorineural loss.
Common Causes of Hearing Loss
The most common form of hearing difficulty is age-related, known as presbycusis. Interestingly, hearing ability begins to decline for most people after around age 25, although the pace of change varies widely.
Hearing changes are not solely due to age. Sociocusis refers to the cumulative effect of modern life on our hearing. Everyday exposure to noise like traffic, household appliances and power tools, concerts, and personal music devices, gradually impacts our hearing. Recreational activities like gaming and shooting, as well as professional exposure in music or industry, can increase the risk of hearing loss.
Some are born with hearing loss, either due to hereditary factors or complications before or during birth.
Don’t Be the Last to Know
On average, people wait nearly a decade before seeking help. This delay can affect relationships, brain health, and overall quality of life.
Unlike vision loss, hearing loss can lead to distorted sounds. High-pitched consonants like f, s, and t may be masked by louder, low-pitched vowels such as a, o, and u. This results in your brain receiving an incomplete picture of the sound environment, requiring more effort to take part in the conversation.
Tailored hearing solutions that accurately support your brain, you can participate in social activities, conserve cognitive energy, and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. The science is in.