Treating your loss of hearing can be helpful for your brain. At least, that’s according to a new study out of a University of Manchester study group. Over the period of about 20 years (1996 to 2014), nearly 2000 men and women were evaluated by these researchers. The attention-getting conclusions? Dementia can be delayed by as much as 75% by dealing with hearing loss.
That is not a small figure.
But is it actually that surprising? That’s not to take away from the weight of the finding, of course, that sort of statistical connection between hearing loss treatment and the fight against dementia is noteworthy and eye-popping. But it coordinates well with what we currently know: as you age, it’s vital to treat your hearing loss if you want to hold off cognitive decline.
How am I Impacted by This Research?
You can’t always trust the information presented in scientific research because it can commonly be contradictory. There are countless unrelated causes for this. The main point here is: this new research is yet further proof that implies untreated hearing loss can result in or worsen mental decline including dementia.
So what does this mean for you? It’s very simple in some ways: if you’ve noticed any possible symptoms of hearing loss, come see us soon. And you really should begin using that hearing aid as directed if you find out you need one.
When You Use Them Regularly, Hearing Aids Can Help Forestall Dementia
Unfortunately, when most people are prescribed with hearing aids, they don’t always instantly get into the habit of using them. The often cited reasons why include:
- How hearing aids look concerns you. You’d be surprised at the variety of styles we have available nowadays. Some models are so discreet, you might not even notice them.
- It’s hard to understand voices. In some instances, it takes time for your brain to adapt to hearing voices again. There are some things we can recommend, like reading along with an audiobook, that can help make this situation go more smoothly.
- The way that the hearing aid is advertised to work, doesn’t seem to be the way it’s currently working. Many people need to have their settings adjusted, and calibration problems are definitely something that can be addressed by our hearing specialists.
- The hearing aid isn’t feeling like it fits comfortably. If you are suffering from this issue, please give us a call. They can fit better and we’re here to help.
Obviously using your hearing aids is essential to your health and future cognitive faculties. If you’re having difficulties with any of the above, get in touch with us for an adjustment. Consulting your hearing professional to make sure your hearing aids are working for you is just part of the process and it requires time and patience.
And in light of these new findings, managing your hearing loss is more important than ever. Hearing aids are protecting your hearing health and your mental health so it’s important to take that treatment seriously.
What’s The Link Between Dementia And Hearing Aids?
So why are these two conditions dementia and loss of hearing even linked in the first place? Specialists themselves aren’t completely certain, but some theories are related to social isolation. Some people, when dealing with hearing loss, become less socially active. Sensory stimulation is the foundation of another theory. Over time, if a person loses sensory stimulation, such as hearing loss, the brain receives less activity which then leads to mental decline.
Your hearing aid allows you to hear better. Providing a natural safeguard for your brain against cognitive decline and helping to keep your brain active. That’s why dealing with hearing loss can delay dementia by as much as 75% percent and why it shouldn’t be unexpected that there is a link between the two.