Taking care of your loss of hearing can be good for your brain. At least, that’s according to a new study from a University of Manchester research team. These analysts looked at a team of more than 2000 individuals over the course of nearly twenty years (1996 to 2014). The attention-getting conclusions? Managing your hearing loss can slow dementia by up to 75%.
That’s a significant number.
But is it really that surprising? The importance of the finding, of course, is still useful, that sort of statistical relationship between hearing loss treatment and the battle against dementia is noteworthy and eye-popping. But the insight we already have aligns well with these findings: treating your hearing loss is imperative to slowing cognitive decline as you age.
What Does This Research on Dementia Mean For me?
You can’t always rely on the information presented in scientific studies because it can often be contradictory. The reasons for that are lengthy, diverse, and not very relevant to our topic here. Because here’s the bottom line: this new research is yet further proof that suggests untreated loss of hearing can lead to or worsen cognitive decline including dementia.
So what does this mean for you? In certain ways, it’s pretty basic: you should come see us as soon as possible if you’ve observed any loss of hearing. And you should start using that hearing aid as directed if you discover you require one.
When You Wear Them Correctly, Hearing Aids Can Counter Dementia
Unfortunately, not everybody falls right into the practice of wearing a prescribed pair of hearing aids. The often cited reasons why include:
- The hearing aid doesn’t feel as if it fits perfectly. If you are having this issue, please give us a call. They can fit better and we’re here to help.
- 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.
- Voices are difficult to make out. In many situations, it takes time for your brain to adjust to hearing voices again. We can suggest things to do to help make this process easier, such as reading along with an audiobook.
- You’re anxious about how hearing aids appear. You’d be amazed at the variety of styles we have available now. Plus, many hearing aid models are designed to be very unobtrusive.
Obviously using your hearing aids is crucial to your health and future cognitive faculties. We can help if you’re struggling with any of the above. Working with your hearing expert to make certain your hearing aids are working for you is just part of the process and it demands time and patience.
It’s more significant than ever to take care of your hearing loss specifically taking into consideration the new findings. Take the treatment seriously because hearing aids are safeguarding your hearing and your mental health.
What’s The Link Between Dementia And Hearing Aids?
So why are these two conditions dementia and hearing loss even connected to begin with? Social isolation is the prominent theory but experts are not completely sure. When suffering from loss of hearing, some people hide themselves away socially. A different theory relates to sensory stimulation. Over time, if a person loses sensory stimulation, such as hearing loss, the brain gets less activity which then results in mental decline.
Your hearing aid allows you to hear better. And that can help keep your brain active, delivering a more effective natural defense against dementia and cognitive decline. That’s why treating hearing loss can slow dementia by as much as 75% percent and why it shouldn’t be unexpected that there is a link between the two.