Khaberni - A neurologist has issued a warning about a common sleep-related habit that may increase the risk of dementia, calling on people of all ages and locations to avoid it in order to maintain mental health.
The British "Daily Mirror" newspaper quoted the doctor saying that dementia is a syndrome or a set of accompanying symptoms, associated with the continuous deterioration of the brain, and is more common in people over the age of 65, and can lead to problems such as memory loss and behavioral and personality changes.
The report noted that although dementia becomes more common with age, advancing in years is not the only risk factor, as research has shown that about 45 percent of dementia cases can be prevented by lifestyle changes.
Neurologist Dr. Bai Bing Chien said that taking care of hearing is among the things that can protect against dementia and mental illnesses. He also emphasized that he never sleeps with earphones in his ears because this habit that many people fall into negatively affects mental health.
Dr. Bai Bing Chien warned that this could lead to hearing loss, which has been linked in scientific studies to the onset of dementia. He said: "As a neurologist, I do not wear headphones while sleeping. If you are one of those who wear headphones while sleeping, make sure the sounds you listen to are quiet and not loud, as loud noises can damage the hair cells in the inner ear, and over time can increase the risk of hearing loss and dementia."
He added: "Wearing earphones and headphones for long hours may trap moisture and bacteria, increasing the risk of ear infections. If you listen to loud sounds while sleeping, it may interrupt your deep sleep and disrupt your lymphatic system, which is the brain’s nighttime cleaning cycle that removes toxins."
Dr. Bai Bing Chien emphasized that hearing loss is "one of the most overlooked risk factors" for the onset of dementia. He explained: "Even mild hearing loss can significantly increase the risk of dementia."
He continued: "If you are having difficulty hearing, do not hesitate to get it checked, and consider using hearing aids if necessary. It's not just about hearing, but about keeping your mind active."
The "Daily Mirror" newspaper mentioned that this advice supports a study published in 2024 in "The Lancet" journal, which listed hearing loss as a major risk factor for dementia.
