Another study has found a link between hearing loss and Parkinson's disease (PD). Lancaster University researchers analyzed the health of nearly 160,000 participants in the UK.
Why it matters
For every 10-decibel increase in baseline hearing loss, researchers discovered a 57% higher risk of developing PD. This finding has the potential to revolutionize early detection and treatment methods.
The big picture
Parkinson's disease is the fastest-growing neurological condition. For example, in the UK, 1 in 37 people will receive a PD diagnosis.
A closer look
- The research team examined UK Biobank data from 159,395 individuals who underwent tests that measured their ability to hear speech in noisy environments.
- None of the study participants had a previous Parkinson's diagnosis when their hearing was tested.
- Over an average follow-up period of 14.24 years, 810 participants developed Parkinson's disease.
Reality check
Dr. Megan Readman, who led the study, warns that researchers haven't determined whether hearing loss directly causes Parkinson's or if both conditions share a common underlying cause. However, the strong correlation suggests hearing should be included during a Parkinson's diagnosis and care.
The takeaway
Hearing loss is not an isolated disorder; it is often linked to others. Understanding these relationships will help develop new treatments and improve patient quality of life.
Healthy hearing starts here
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