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Lancaster University Research Reveals a Potential Connection Between Hearing Impairment and Parkinson’s Disease
A groundbreaking study by researchers at Lancaster University has found a compelling association between hearing loss and an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The study, published in Parkinsonism and Related Disorders, suggests that for every 10-decibel decline in hearing, the risk of Parkinson’s increases by 57%. While the study establishes a significant correlation, the exact causal link remains unclear.
The study, led by Dr. Megan Readman, ESRC Post Doctoral Research Fellow at Lancaster University’s Department of Psychology, is one of the first to explore whether sensory impairments like hearing loss may contribute to the development of Parkinson’s or potentially act as an early warning signal.
Study Overview and Key Findings
The researchers analyzed data from the UK Biobank, a biomedical database that includes information from over half a million participants across the UK. The study focused on 159,395 individuals who had undergone a hearing test to assess their ability to detect speech in noisy environments, with no prior history of Parkinson’s disease.
Over an average follow-up period of 14.24 years, 810 participants were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The findings revealed that for every 10-decibel increase in baseline hearing impairment, participants faced a 57% higher risk of developing Parkinson’s. This alarming statistic underscores the potential link between hearing loss and this debilitating neurological condition.
A Call for Better Management of Hearing Impairment
Dr. Readman emphasized the significance of the findings, stating, “These results are incredibly important, as this is one of the first studies to examine how hearing impairments may increase the risk of Parkinson’s or act as an early warning sign. Our findings suggest that auditory function should be considered when diagnosing and managing Parkinson’s disease.”
However, Dr. Readman also cautioned that it remains unclear whether hearing loss directly causes Parkinson’s disease or whether both conditions share a common underlying cause. She noted that more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between the two.
Hearing Loss and Its Growing Impact
The study’s findings are particularly relevant given the growing prevalence of Parkinson’s disease. According to Parkinson’s UK, approximately 153,000 people in the UK currently live with Parkinson’s, and it is the fastest-growing neurological condition worldwide. Estimates suggest that one in 37 people in the UK will be diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at some point in their lives.
Professor Christopher Plack, one of the study’s co-authors, pointed out that hearing loss is increasingly recognized as not just an isolated issue but one that is associated with a range of other conditions. “Understanding the links between hearing loss and disorders like Parkinson’s is essential for providing effective care and improving the quality of life for affected individuals,” he said.
Future Directions and Impact on Parkinson’s Care
The research team hopes their findings will contribute to new strategies for the prevention and management of Parkinson’s disease. By identifying potential risk factors, such as hearing impairment, early intervention could become a key component in managing the condition.
Dr. Readman concluded, “Our research highlights the intricate relationship between hearing impairment and Parkinson’s disease, suggesting that addressing auditory function could play a critical role in diagnosing and managing Parkinson’s more effectively.”
This study adds to a decade-long series of research on neurodegenerative disorders led by Lancaster University in collaboration with institutions across the UK. Researchers remain committed to uncovering the links between hearing loss and Parkinson’s to improve patient care and outcomes.
Reference:
“Speech-in-noise hearing impairment is associated with increased risk of Parkinson’s: A UK biobank analysis” by Megan Rose Readman, Yang Wang, Fang Wan, Ian Fairman, Sally A. Linkenauger, Trevor J. Crawford, and Christopher J. Plack, published on 26 November 2024 in Parkinsonism & Related Disorders.
DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2024.107219
