Treating your hearing loss can be good for your brain. At least, that’s according to a new study from a University of Manchester research group. These analysts examined a group of more than 2000 individuals over a time period of nearly twenty years (1996 to 2014). The attention-getting findings? Dealing with your loss of hearing can slow down dementia by as much as 75%.
That’s a considerable number.
But is it actually that surprising? That’s not to detract from the significance of the finding, of course, this is an important statistical correlation between the struggle against cognitive decline and the treatment of hearing loss. But it coordinates well with what we currently know: as you age, it’s essential to treat your loss of hearing if you want to slow down cognitive decline.
What Does This Research on Dementia Mean For me?
Scientific research can be confusing and inconsistent (should I eat eggs, should I not eat eggs? How about wine? Will that help me live longer?). There are lots of unrelated causes for this. Because here’s the bottom line: yet further proof, this research reveals untreated hearing loss can result in or worsen cognitive decline including dementia.
So for you personally, what does this indicate? In many ways, it’s fairly basic: if you’ve observed any potential symptoms of hearing loss, come see us soon. And, if you need a hearing aid, you need to absolutely begin using that hearing aid as directed.
Hearing Aids Help Prevent Dementia When You Wear Them Regularly
Sadly, not everybody falls directly into the practice of using a prescribed pair of hearing aids. Some of the reasons why are:
- You’re anxious about how hearing aids appear. You’d be amazed at the range of styles we have available now. Some styles are so subtle, you might not even notice them.
- The hearing aid doesn’t feel like it fits comfortably. If you are having this issue, please contact us. They can fit better and we’re here to help.
- The way that the hearing aid is advertised to work, doesn’t appear 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.
- It’s hard to understand voices. Your brain doesn’t always instantly adapt to hearing voices. There are some things we can suggest, such as reading along with an audiobook, that can help make this endeavor easier.
Clearly wearing your hearing aids is crucial to your health and future mental faculties. We can help if you’re having difficulties with any of the above. Working with your hearing specialist to make certain your hearing aids are working for you is just part of the process and it calls for time and patience.
And in light of these new findings, dealing with your hearing loss is more significant than ever. Take the treatment seriously because hearing aids are protecting your hearing and your mental health.
Hearing Aids And Dementia, What’s The Connection?
So why are these two conditions loss of hearing and dementia even linked in the first place? Social isolation is the prominent theory but scientists are not completely sure. Many people, when faced with loss of hearing, become less socially involved. Yet another theory has to do with sensory stimulation. All senses induce activity in the brain, and some scientists theorize that losing stimulation can cause cognitive decline over time.
You hear better when you wear your hearing aid. And that can help keep your brain active, creating a more powerful natural safeguard against dementia and cognitive decline. That’s why treating hearing loss can slow dementia by up to 75% percent and why it shouldn’t be surprising that there is a connection between the two.