The Silent Connection: Hearing and cognitive Decline

Ever struggled to understand conversations in noisy environments? While often dismissed as normal, this difficulty could be an early warning sign of underlying neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. According to Professor Audrey Gabelle, a neurologist specializing in neurodegenerative diseases at Montpellier University Hospital, this specific type of hearing impairment, known as cochlear synaptopathy, mirrors neurosensory hearing loss and warrants further examination.

this problem of understanding speech in a noisy surroundings can be the sign of a form of deafness, which is similar to a neurosensory hearing loss in connection with neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer and parkinson.

Professor Audrey Gabelle, Montpellier University Hospital

SAPHIR Study: Unveiling hearing Biomarkers

The Cilcare Biotechnology Society and Montpellier University Hospital have launched a collaborative study, SAPHIR (Stage of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, hearing relevance), to delve into the hearing profiles of individuals in the early stages of neurodegenerative diseases. The study involves a complete battery of tests conducted at the CHU, overseen by Professor Audrey Gabelle (Neurology) and Professor frédéric Venail (ENT), complemented by in-depth hearing analyses performed by Cilcare to phenotype patients.

The Preventative Power of Early Detection

Laura Breda, project manager at Cilcare, emphasizes the critical role of hearing in cognitive health. “It is the most frequent hearing hearing loss. When we know,moreover,that in Europe,40 % of dementias are associated with modifiable factors,including that of hearing loss,this demonstrates the key role of hearing in cognitive disorders prevention”.By identifying novel hearing biomarkers,researchers aim to develop early detection tools that can strengthen the prevention and management of neurodegenerative diseases. Characterizing individual hearing profiles will pave the way for tailored therapies,ranging from hearing aids to innovative drug treatments.

It is the most frequent hearing hearing loss. When we know, moreover, that in Europe, 40 % of dementias are associated with modifiable factors, including that of hearing loss, this demonstrates the key role of hearing in cognitive disorders prevention

Laura Breda, Cilcare

Global Impact: Addressing the Growing Hearing Loss Crisis

The potential impact of this research is notable, especially considering the rising prevalence of hearing disorders worldwide. A recent World Health Institution (WHO) study indicates that over 20% of the global population experiences hearing loss,with projections estimating nearly 900 million affected individuals by 2050. Professor Gabelle highlights that Of the 45 % of modifiable factors for risk of dementia, all causes combined worldwide, 7 % are linked to hearing disorders according to a study updated last year. The identification and management of these factors would therefore reduce the risk of dementia. Preventing and managing neurodegenerative diseases through hearing markers could revolutionize patient care and public health strategies.

Of the 45 % of modifiable factors for risk of dementia, all causes combined worldwide, 7 % are linked to hearing disorders according to a study updated last year. The identification and management of these factors would thus reduce the risk of dementia

Professor Audrey Gabelle

Call to Action: Participate in the Study

Individuals experiencing hearing problems or memory disorders are encouraged to participate in the Montpellier CHU study. Registration details can be found on their website.