Your brain can be benefited by taking care of your hearing loss. At least, that’s according to a new study by a team of analysts from the University of Manchester. These analysts looked at a team of around 2000 individuals over the course of almost 2 decades (1996 to 2014). The striking results? Treating your hearing loss can slow dementia by as much as 75%.
That’s a significant number.
But is it really that surprising? The importance of the finding, of course, is still useful, this is an important statistical connection between the struggle against cognitive decline and the treatment of hearing loss. But it aligns well with what we already know: as you age, it’s crucial to treat your hearing loss if you want to delay cognitive decline.
How am I Impacted by This Research?
Scientific studies can be perplexing and inconsistent (should I eat eggs, shouldn’t I eat eggs? What about wine? Will that help me live longer?). There are countless unrelated reasons for this. Because here’s the main point: this new study is yet further proof that reveals neglected hearing loss can lead to or exacerbate cognitive decline including dementia.
So what does this mean for you? It’s simple in many ways: if you’ve observed any potential indications of hearing loss, come see us as soon as you can. And you really should start wearing that hearing aid as directed if you find out you need one.
Hearing Aids Assist in Preventing Dementia When You Wear Them Regularly
Sadly, when people are prescribed with hearing aids, they don’t always instantly get into the habit of wearing them. The often cited reasons why include:
- It’s hard to understand voices. In many instances, it takes time for your brain to adjust to recognizing voices again. There are some things we can suggest, like reading along with an audiobook, that can help make this situation go more smoothly.
- The hearing aid doesn’t feel like it works as advertised. Many people need to have their settings adjusted, and calibration problems are definitely something that can be addressed by our hearing specialists.
- The way hearing aids look concerns you. You’d be surprised at the assortment of models we have available nowadays. Some styles are so subtle, you might not even notice them.
- The hearing aid doesn’t feel like it fits perfectly. If you are suffering from this issue, please give us a call. We can help make it fit better.
Your future mental faculties and even your health in general are undoubtedly impacted by using hearing aids. We can help if you’re struggling with any of the above. Working with your hearing professional to make certain your hearing aids are working for you is just part of the process and it calls for time and patience.
It’s more important than ever to treat your loss of hearing particularly taking into consideration the new evidence. Hearing aids are defending your hearing health and your mental health so it’s crucial to take that treatment seriously.
What’s The Link Between Dementia And Hearing Aids?
So what’s the actual link between hearing loss and dementia? Social isolation is the leading theory but experts are not 100% certain. When coping with hearing loss, some people seclude themselves socially. Sensory stimulation is the foundation of another theory. With time, if a person loses sensory stimulation, such as hearing loss, the brain receives less activity which then leads to mental decline.
You hear better with a hearing aid. Providing a natural safeguard for your brain against cognitive decline and helping to keep your brain active. That’s why a relationship between the two should not be unexpected and why hearing loss treatments can slow dementia by up to 75%.