Treating your hearing loss can be helpful for your brain. At least, that’s according to a new study by a group of analysts out of the University of Manchester. Over the period of approximately 20 years (1996 to 2014), nearly 2000 individuals were examined by these researchers. The surprising results? Dealing with your hearing loss can delay dementia by as much as 75%.
That’s a considerable number.
Nevertheless, it’s not really all that surprising. That’s not to take away from the significance of the finding, of course, that kind of statistical correlation between hearing loss treatment and the struggle against dementia is important and stunning. But the insight we already have coordinates with these findings: as you get older, it’s essential to treat your loss of hearing if you want to hold off cognitive decline.
What Does This Research on Dementia Mean For me?
Scientific studies can be confusing and contradictory (should I eat eggs, should I not eat eggs? How about wine? Will drinking wine help me live longer?). The reasons for that are long, varied, and not all that relevant to our topic here. Because here’s the main point: yet further proof, 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 simple in some ways: you should set up an appointment with us right away if you’ve noticed any hearing loss. And you really should start using that hearing aid as advised if you discover you need one.
When You Use Them Regularly, Hearing Aids Can Forestall Dementia
Regrettably, not everybody falls directly into the habit of using a prescribed pair of hearing aids. The often cited reasons why include:
- You’re worried about how hearing aids look. Presently, we have lots of types available which might surprise you. Some styles are so discreet, you might not even notice them.
- Peoples voices are difficult to understand. Your brain doesn’t always instantly adapt to hearing voices. There are things we can recommend, such as reading along with an audiobook, that can help make this process go more smoothly.
- The hearing aid isn’t feeling like it fits comfortably. If you are experiencing this issue, please get in touch with 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.
Clearly using your hearing aids is important to your health and future cognitive abilities. If you’re struggling with any of the above, get in touch with us for an adjustment. Sometimes the answer will take patience and time, but working with your hearing professional to ensure your hearing aids work for you is a part of the process.
It’s more significant than ever to deal with your loss of hearing especially in the light of the new findings. Be serious about the treatment because hearing aids are protecting your hearing and your mental health.
What’s The Link Between Hearing Aids And Dementia?
So what’s the real link between dementia and loss of hearing? Social isolation is the prominent theory but scientists are not completely sure. Some people, when faced with hearing loss, become less socially involved. Sensory stimulation is the foundation of another theory. All senses stimulate activity in the brain, and some experts theorize that the loss of stimulation can lead to cognitive decline over a period of time.
You hear better when you wear your hearing aid. Offering a natural safeguard for your brain against cognitive decline and helping to keep your brain active. That’s why treating hearing loss can delay dementia by as much as 75% percent and why it shouldn’t be surprising that there is a link between the two.