Your brain can be helped by dealing with your loss of hearing. At least, that’s according to a new study by a team of researchers out of the University of Manchester. Over the period of about 20 years (1996 to 2014), nearly 2000 men and women were studied by these researchers. The attention-getting conclusions? Dementia can be delayed by as much as 75% by dealing with hearing loss.
That’s a considerable number.
But is it actually that surprising? The significance of the finding, of course, is still useful, that type 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: treating your loss of hearing is imperative to slowing cognitive decline as you get older.
How am I Impacted by This Research?
Scientific research can be contradictory and perplexing (should I eat eggs, shouldn’t I eat eggs? What about wine? Will that help me live longer?). The causes for that are lengthy, diverse, and not all that relevant to our topic here. Because here’s the bottom line: yet another piece of evidence, this research suggests untreated loss of hearing can result in or exacerbate mental decline including dementia.
So for you personally, what does this mean? It’s straightforward in several ways: if you’ve been noticing any potential symptoms of hearing loss, come see us as soon as you can. And you should begin using that hearing aid as advised if you discover you need one.
Hearing Aids Assist in Preventing Dementia When You Use Them Regularly
Regrettably, when most people are prescribed with hearing aids, they don’t always immediately get into the habit of using them. Some of the reasons why are:
- The hearing aid doesn’t feel like it fits properly. If you are suffering from this issue, please contact us. We can help make it fit better.
- The way that the hearing aid is supposed 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.
- How hearing aids look concerns you. These days, we have a lot of models available which may amaze you. Additionally, many hearing aid styles are designed to be very discreet.
- Voices are difficult to make out. Your brain doesn’t always instantly adjust to understanding voices. There are some things we can recommend, such as reading along with an audiobook, that can help make this process go more smoothly.
Your future mental abilities and even your health in general are clearly impacted by wearing hearing aids. If you’re struggling with any of the above, come see us for an adjustment. At times the answer will take patience and time, but working with your hearing professional to ensure your hearing aids work for you is just part of the process.
And in light of these new findings, managing your hearing loss is more important than ever before. Hearing aids are safeguarding your hearing health and your mental health so it’s important to be serious about treatment.
Hearing Aids And Dementia, What’s The Connection?
So what’s the actual connection between hearing loss and dementia? Social solitude is the leading theory but experts are not completely sure. Some people, when faced with loss of hearing, become less socially active. Sensory stimulation is the foundation of another theory. All senses induce activity in the brain, and some experts theorize that losing stimulation can result in cognitive decline over time.
Your hearing aid allows you to hear better. Supplying a natural safeguard for your brain against cognitive decline and helping to keep your brain active. That’s why taking care of hearing loss can delay dementia by as much as 75% percent and why it shouldn’t be unexpected that there is a connection between the two.