Kasia Rybak, co-founder of Clear Sound Solutions, explains that addressing hearing loss in care homes is about more than ear hygiene: it underpins dignity, cognitive health and human connection.
During more than ten years working in health and social care, I have met countless residents whose hearing had quietly declined without anyone recognising the full impact on their lives. I have watched residents withdraw from activities and spend more time alone, not because they wanted to, but because they were embarrassed by their hearing loss. Tired of asking people to repeat themselves, many simply stopped trying to engage.
Too often I hear, “Most of our residents have dementia, so hearing care isn’t really a priority.” I understand why this assumption is made, but it is exactly why hearing care matters so much. Every resident, regardless of physical health, cognitive condition or disability, deserves the chance to hear clearly, communicate confidently and remain an active part of their community. Hearing health is not a luxury; it is fundamental to dignity, wellbeing and quality of life.
The Lancet Commission on Dementia identified hearing loss as one of the most significant modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline. Hearing care cannot cure dementia, but supporting residents to hear as well as possible can help them stay engaged, communicate more effectively and remain connected to the people and moments that matter. For this reason, hearing health deserves recognition as an essential part of person-centred care.
As the population ages and the number of people living with dementia continues to rise, integrating hearing care into routine care home practice has never been more important.
One resident has stayed with me ever since. While working as an ear care practitioner, I visited a lady living with advanced dementia who was also blind and experiencing significant hearing difficulties. Her son told me they had reached a point where meaningful conversation was almost impossible and, heartbreakingly, he felt his mother no longer recognised him.
When I examined her ears, I found both canals completely blocked with wax. After removing the blockage, her son gently asked, “Mum, can you hear me? Do you know who I am?” She smiled and replied, “Of course I know who you are, you’re my son,” before calling him by his name. It is a moment I will never forget.
That experience was one of the reasons I established Clear Sound Solutions, with the aim of making professional ear and hearing care more accessible in care homes. Throughout my career, I have seen how something as simple as restoring a resident’s hearing can transform daily life.
Hearing care is not just about ears. It is about brain health, connection and quality of life.
