Home Health Do you suffer from hearing loss? It could be a hidden sign that you are at risk of a terrifying condition that robs you of independence and affects thousands of people.

Do you suffer from hearing loss? It could be a hidden sign that you are at risk of a terrifying condition that robs you of independence and affects thousands of people.

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Experts at Lancaster University found that every 10 decibel increase in hearing loss corresponded to a 57 per cent increase in the risk of Parkinson's. stock image

Researchers have found that millions of Britons who suffer from some degree of hearing loss could be at risk of debilitating Parkinson’s disease.

Experts from Lancaster University found that every 10 decibel increase in hearing loss corresponded to a 57 per cent increase in the risk of the degenerative disease.

For context, the average person can hear sounds of 20 decibels (dB) or higher.

If a person cannot hear sounds between 21 and 40 dB, they are considered to have mild hearing loss and will have difficulty distinguishing soft noises, such as someone speaking in a noisy environment.

Moderate hearing loss is defined as difficulty hearing noises between 41 and 70 dB, while profound hearing loss is problems with sounds above 95 dB, including loud noises such as jackhammers and ambulance sirens.

Publish your findings in the journal. Parkinsonism and related disordersThe authors said it was unclear whether hearing loss actually caused Parkinson’s or was a possible early sign of the development of the condition.

Dr Megan Readman, from Lancaster’s Department of Psychology and leader of the study, said: “We don’t know if hearing loss can cause Parkinson’s or if there is a common underlying cause for both conditions.”

However, he said the findings suggesting a link had potential implications for identifying patients who may be at risk.

Experts at Lancaster University found that every 10 decibel increase in hearing loss corresponded to a 57 per cent increase in the risk of Parkinson’s. stock image

‘These findings are incredibly important; “First, this is one of the first studies to look at how hearing impairments may increase the risk of Parkinson’s or be an early warning sign of the disease,” he said.

Professor Christoper Plack, also from Lancaster’s Department of Psychology, added: “It is becoming increasingly clear that hearing loss is not an isolated condition, but is associated with a number of other disorders.

“Understanding these links is vital if we are to provide effective patient care, improving the independence and quality of life of those affected.”

Parkinson’s is estimated to affect around one in 37 Britons, the majority of whom are over 50 years old.

It is a little-known condition in which nerve cells in the brain become progressively damaged over years, causing a variety of symptoms including mobility problems and tremors.

There is no cure and the disease is progressive, meaning it will worsen over time, although treatments are available to control symptoms and maintain quality of life for as long as possible.

While it does not kill directly, the condition puts great strain on the body, which in turn can leave patients vulnerable to life-threatening infections.

In the new study, experts analyzed health data from 159,395 people between 40 and 69 years old.

Symptoms can include uncontrollable tremors, slow movements and muscle stiffness, but experts say they often only appear when about 80 percent of nerve cells have been lost.

Symptoms can include uncontrollable tremors, slow movements and muscle stiffness, but experts say they often only appear when about 80 percent of nerve cells have been lost.

All participants underwent standard hearing tests and did not have Parkinson’s when they were first tested more than a decade ago.

Their health records were then monitored for an average of 14 years and any subsequent diagnoses of the condition during that time were recorded.

Of the study group, 810 were subsequently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Charity Parkinson’s UK estimates that there are currently 153,000 people in the UK living with the condition.

Britons are advised to contact their GP if they believe their hearing has gradually worsened.

However, people with sudden changes in hearing in one or both ears are advised to call NHS 111 to make an urgent appointment as, in rare cases, it may be a sign of conditions such as a growing tumor or a serious infection.

The Royal National Institute for Deaf People runs a free online hearing test which lasts around three minutes and can be accessed by visiting the charity’s website.

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