The #1 Dementia risk factor nobody talks about, and what to do

ZOE Science & Nutrition

ZOE

Nutrition, Education, Science, Health & Fitness

4.6 • 5.6K Ratings

🗓️ 16 October 2025

⏱️ 56 minutes

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Summary

Get your free 5-step plan for hearing loss diagnosis and treatment: click here Hearing loss affects 1 in 5 people globally, increases the risk of developing dementia, and has no cure. An astonishing half a billion people have hearing loss, which impacts their ability to communicate and connect with others. Hearing loss cases are increasing fast, especially among younger people. For many, hearing aids and cochlear implants can be life-changing, but they can’t help everyone. But there is hope: Scientists around the world have been working tirelessly to develop NEW treatments for hearing loss. In this episode, Jonathan speaks to Dr. Marcelo Rivolta, a professor of sensory stem cell biology at Sheffield University. He’s on the cusp of a major breakthrough that could mean hearing loss becomes a thing of the past. What you’ll learn: Why hearing loss is becoming more common The shocking link between hearing loss and a 500% increased risk of dementia How modern headphones and loud concerts cause permanent, irreversible damage Why hearing loss can be more isolating than blindness The simple ways you can protect your hearing today How current technologies like hearing aids and cochlear implants work About the groundbreaking new science that could cure deafness using stem cells About Marcelo Rivolta Marcelo Rivolta is a Professor of Sensory Stem Cell Biology at the University of Sheffield. For over two decades, his research has focused on the use of human stem cells for the understanding and treatment of hearing loss. His lab was the first to demonstrate that it was possible to create both auditory hair cells and neurons from stem cells, and his pioneering work is now moving towards clinical trials in humans. Timecodes: 00:00 Introduction 00:26 Does hearing loss only affect older adults? 03:37 Is permanent hearing loss reversible? 06:03 At what volume do headphones start to cause hearing loss? 08:26 Why hearing loss is more isolating than blindness 09:41 The shocking link between hearing loss and dementia 12:00 Can hearing aids reduce your dementia risk? 13:13 How do we hear? A simple explanation 15:15 Why is your microphone just like your ear? 18:07 What goes wrong in your ear to cause hearing loss? 19:20 The cells in your body you’re born with that have to last a lifetime 20:51 Why does loud noise cause irreversible damage? 23:15 Do hearing aids solve hearing loss for everybody? 24:08 The difference between a hearing aid and a cochlear implant 26:20 Is the hearing from a cochlear implant natural? 32:25 Can we find a cure for hearing loss? 34:15 Using stem cells to create new hearing cells 37:32 Can we reverse deafness? Groundbreaking study in animals 38:45 When will a cure for hearing loss be available? 42:25 What is auditory neuropathy? 45:06 What is tinnitus and could this research cure it? 46:46 Top tips to protect your hearing 50:03 Jonathan's summary Information about the Rincell-1 clinical trial, such as patient eligibility and other related aspects, is available at https://www.rinri-therapeutics.com/our-clinical-research/#rincell For further details, please contact enquiries@rinri-therapeutics.com 📚Books by our ZOE Scientists The Food For Life Cookbook Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector Ferment by Prof. Tim Spector Free resources from ZOE Live Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & Nutrition Gut Guide - For a Healthier Microbiome in Weeks Better Breakfast Guide Episode transcripts are available here: https://zoe.com/learn/category/podcast

Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome to Zoe Science and Nutrition, where world-leading scientists explain how their research can improve your health.
0:10.3	Did you know there's an invisible disability that affects one in five people globally, that increases the risk of developing
0:22.2	dementia by 500% and has few treatment options and no cure.
0:28.6	I'm talking about hearing loss, and astonishing half a billion people have hearing loss
0:34.0	that impacts their ability to communicate and connect with others. And even more worrying, hearing loss cases are increasing fast, especially in younger people.
0:43.3	For many, hearing aids and cochlear implants can be life-changing, but they can't help everyone.
0:51.3	Hope, however, is on the horizon.
0:53.3	Scientists around the world have been working
0:56.2	tirelessly to develop new treatments for hearing loss. Leading the charge is Dr. Marcello
1:04.8	Rivalta, a professor of sensory stem cell biology at Sheffield University. He's on the
1:10.5	cusp of a major breakthrough that could mean hearing loss becomes a thing of the past.
1:16.6	By the end of today's episode, you'll understand the latest treatments, what the future of hearing loss looks like,
1:23.6	and how looking after your hearing could reduce your risk of dementia.
1:32.8	Marcello, thank you so much for joining me today.
1:33.5	Thank you.
1:40.3	So we have a tradition here at Zari, where we always start with a quick fire round of questions from our listeners.
1:45.0	And we have these rules that are designed to be really hard for professors. Right.
1:46.0	And that is because the rule is you have to say yes or no or a one-sentence answer if you have to.
1:53.0	Are you willing to give it a go?
1:55.0	Yep, let's do it.
1:57.0	All right.
1:58.0	Does hearing loss only really affect older adults? No. Are more of us facing hearing loss only really affect older adults?
	...

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