Your brain can be benefited by treating your loss of hearing. At least, that’s according to a new study by a team of researchers out of the University of Manchester. These researchers considered a group of around 2000 participants over a time period of almost 2 decades (1996 to 2014). The surprising outcome? Dementia can be slowed by as much as 75% by treating hearing loss.
That is not a small number.
But still, it’s not all all that unexpected. The importance of the finding, of course, is still useful, this is an important statistical correlation between the struggle against cognitive decline and the treatment of hearing loss. But it aligns well with what we currently know: as you get older, it’s essential to treat your hearing loss if you want to hold off dementia.
How am I Impacted by This Research?
Scientific research can be perplexing and contradictory (should I eat eggs, shouldn’t I eat eggs? What about wine? Will that help me live longer?). The reasons for that are lengthy, diverse, and not all that pertinent to our discussion here. Because here’s the main point: yet further proof, this research implies untreated loss of hearing can result in or worsen cognitive decline including dementia.
So for you personally, what does this mean? It’s very simple in several ways: you should come see us right away if you’ve noticed any loss of hearing. And, if you require a hearing aid, you should definitely start wearing that hearing aid as advised.
When You Wear Them Correctly, Hearing Aids Can Help Forestall Dementia
Unfortunately, not everybody falls directly into the habit of using a prescribed pair of hearing aids. Some of the reasons why are:
- 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.
- The hearing aid isn’t feeling as if it fits properly. If you are suffering from this issue, please give us a call. They can fit better and we’re here to help.
- You’re worried about how hearing aids look. Today, we have a lot of models available which might amaze you. Some models are so discreet, you may not even notice them.
- It’s challenging to make out voices. Your brain doesn’t always immediately adapt to hearing voices. There are things we can recommend, like reading along with an audiobook, that can help make this situation easier.
Obviously wearing your hearing aids is essential to your health and future cognitive faculties. If you’re having difficulties with any of the above, come see us for an adjustment. Consulting your hearing expert 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 significant than ever to treat your hearing loss specifically in the light of the new evidence. Take the treatment seriously because hearing aids are safeguarding your hearing and your mental health.
What’s The Connection Between Dementia And Hearing Aids?
So why are these two health conditions hearing loss and dementia even connected to begin with? Scientists themselves aren’t completely certain, but some theories are related to social isolation. Many people, when dealing with loss of hearing, become less socially involved. Another theory refers to sensory stimulation. With time, if a person loses sensory stimulation, like hearing loss, the brain receives less activity which then causes mental decline.
You hear better when you wear your hearing aid. Offering a natural defense for your brain against cognitive decline and helping to keep your brain active. That’s why a connection between the two should not be unexpected and why hearing loss treatments can slow down dementia by as much as 75%.