Amidst hectic schedules and the disruptions of events, it’s all too easy to put off important appointments, such as those with a hearing specialist or for a hearing aid fitting. You may not even get around to shopping for hearing aids at all. However, putting off on treatment for hearing loss is far more than just a misstep concerning your ears alone.
Neglected hearing loss can result in a greater risk of cognitive decline
Scientists have demonstrated a clear link between untreated hearing loss and mental decline. This is one reason why delaying treatment is never a good plan.
The impact on hearing
If you care about the health of your hearing, it’s essential to never ignore any symptoms of hearing loss. You inadvertently cause more harm to your hearing if you put off on getting a hearing examination or hearing aids if you need them.
The progression of your hearing loss will be accelerated if you continuously need to crank up the volume on your devices. Using a hearing aid can help alleviate this by selectively amplifying specific frequencies, thereby slowing down the development of hearing loss.
The connection to cognitive function
There’s a close link between your sense of hearing and your brain. Cognitive function can be seriously impacted by untreated hearing loss according to some significant research. Social isolation, frequently a consequence of diminished hearing, can lead to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, which in turn can worsen mental decline over time.
Also, the recovery of healthy hearing function can be complicated because neglected hearing loss will force the brain to adjust by reallocating mental resources from other functions, such as visual processes, over to auditory processes.
Navigating neuroplasticity
The brain’s phenomenal ability to adapt, known as neuroplasticity, is both a friend and a foe in this situation. The brain will have a hard time reverting back to its previous state after it rewires itself to accommodate for extended neglected hearing loss.
But it is possible to reverse this effect. In spite of previous delays in getting treatment, using hearing aids as prescribed by a specialist can still provide significant benefits in both the short and long term.
Call us for an appointment
While quick treatment is ideal, it’s never too late to tackle hearing loss. If you’re ready to enjoy better hearing and stronger cognitive function, call us today for an assessment!