Removing ear wax can improve cognitive function and memory and help access to TV and music

Dementia and Alzheimer’s are complex diseases, but research suggests that hearing loss can accelerate the decline in cognitive ability. Age-related loss is irreversible, but when it’s due to a build-up of wax, removing it can make a huge difference to every day enjoyment of activities from listening to music, children’s chatter or just hearing birdsong in the garden. A study in Japan found that elderly patients with dementia saw a significant improvement in memory function once earwax had been cleared. It’s really worth getting loved ones’ ears checked at least once a year.