Research is ongoing surrounding whether dementia is directly caused by hearing loss or is an indirect consequence of social isolation caused by hearing problems. “If you've got poor hearing, your ability to socialise and interact with others is affected. And without the mental stimulation of talking with people, health declines.” Barry has some simple advice to protect your hearing. “Do not put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear,” Barry says. “The ear will look after itself. We see an awful lot of damage from people poking things in their ears trying to get wax out. Leave your ears alone!”