Your brain can be helped by dealing with your loss of hearing. At least, that’s according to a new study from a University of Manchester research group. These analysts looked at a group of around 2000 participants over a time period of approximately twenty years (1996 to 2014). The attention-getting findings? Dementia can be slowed by as much as 75% by treating hearing loss.
That is not an insignificant figure.
Nevertheless, it’s not all that unexpected. That’s not to detract from the importance of the finding, of course, that sort of statistical relationship between hearing loss treatment and the fight against dementia is important and stunning. But it aligns well with what we currently know: as you age, it’s essential to treat your hearing loss if you want to delay cognitive decline.
How am I Impacted by This Research?
Scientific studies can be confusing and inconsistent (should I eat eggs, should I not eat eggs? What about wine? Will drinking wine help me live longer?). There are lots of unrelated causes for this. Because here’s the main point: yet another piece of evidence, this research suggests neglected loss of hearing can lead to or worsen cognitive decline including dementia.
So what does this mean for you? In certain ways, it’s pretty basic: you need to come see us as soon as possible if you’ve observed any loss of hearing. And you should begin using that hearing aid as advised if you find out you need one.
Hearing Aids Assist in Preventing Dementia When You Use Them Regularly
Regrettably, not everybody falls right into the habit of using a prescribed pair of hearing aids. The often cited reasons why include:
- It’s difficult to understand voices. Your brain doesn’t always immediately adjust to understanding voices. We can suggest things to do to help make this endeavor go more smoothly, like reading along with an audiobook.
- You’re anxious about how hearing aids look. Presently, we have lots of designs available which might surprise you. Some models are so discreet, you may not even see them.
- The hearing aid doesn’t feel as if it fits very well. If you are suffering from this issue, please give us a call. They can fit better and we’re here to help.
- The hearing aid doesn’t seem like it works the way it should. Many people need to have their settings adjusted, and calibration problems are definitely something that can be addressed by our hearing specialists.
Your future cognitive faculties and even your overall health are undoubtedly affected by wearing hearing aids. If you’re struggling with any of the above, get in touch with us for an adjustment. Consulting your hearing professional to make certain your hearing aids are working for you is just part of the process and it requires time and patience.
It’s more significant than ever to manage your hearing loss particularly taking into consideration the new findings. Hearing aids are protecting your hearing health and your mental health so it’s essential to take that treatment seriously.
Dementia And Hearing Aids, What’s The Connection?, What’s The Link?
So why are these two conditions dementia and loss of hearing even connected in the first place? Social isolation is the prominent theory but experts are not completely certain. Some people, when dealing with hearing loss, become less socially involved. Sensory stimulation is the basis of another theory. All senses trigger activity in the brain, and some researchers theorize that losing stimulation can cause cognitive decline over time.
Your hearing aid allows you to hear better. Delivering a natural safeguard for your brain against cognitive decline and helping to keep your brain active. That’s why treating hearing loss can slow dementia by as much as 75% percent and why it shouldn’t be unexpected that there is a link between the two.