Treating your loss of hearing can be good for your brain. At least, that’s according to a new study by a group of researchers out of the University of Manchester. These analysts examined a group of around 2000 individuals over the course of nearly 2 decades (1996 to 2014). The surprising results? Managing your hearing loss can slow down dementia by as much as 75%.
That’s a considerable number.
But is it really that surprising? The significance of the finding, of course, is still useful, that kind of statistical correlation between hearing loss treatment and the battle against dementia is noteworthy and stunning. But the insight we already have coordinates with these findings: as you get older, it’s essential to treat your hearing loss if you want to delay cognitive decline.
How am I Impacted by This Research?
You can’t always rely on the content presented in scientific research because it can often be contradictory. There are many unrelated reasons for this. Because here’s the bottom line: yet another piece of evidence, this research suggests untreated loss of hearing can result in or worsen cognitive decline including dementia.
So for you personally, what does this imply? In certain ways, it’s fairly simple: you should set up an appointment with us immediately if you’ve noticed any loss of hearing. And, if you require a hearing aid, you need to definitely start using that hearing aid as directed.
Hearing Aids Help Prevent Dementia When You Wear Them Regularly
Regrettably, not everyone falls right into the practice of using a prescribed pair of hearing aids. The usual reasons why include:
- Peoples voices are difficult to make out. Your brain doesn’t always immediately adapt to hearing voices. We can recommend things to do to help make this process go more smoothly, like reading along with an audiobook.
- The hearing aid doesn’t feel as if it fits well. If you are suffering from 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 supposed 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.
- How hearing aids look concerns you. Presently, we have a lot of designs available which may surprise you. Plus, many hearing aid models are manufactured to be very discreet.
Obviously using your hearing aids is important to your health and future mental abilities. We can help if you’re having difficulties with any of the above. Sometimes the solution will take time or patience, but consulting your hearing specialist to ensure your hearing aids work for you is a part of the process.
It’s more important than ever to take care of your hearing loss especially 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 problems dementia and loss of hearing even connected to begin with? Social solitude is the leading theory but experts are not completely sure. When coping with loss of hearing, some people seclude themselves socially. Yet another theory refers to sensory stimulation. In 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 when you wear your 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 shouldn’t be surprising and why hearing loss treatments can slow down dementia by up to 75%.