Between hectic schedules and the disruptions of events, it’s all too easy to put off essential appointments, like those with a hearing specialist or for fitting hearing aids. You may not even get around to shopping for hearing aids at all. However, delaying treatment for hearing loss is a lot more than just a misstep concerning your ears alone.
Neglected hearing loss can result in a higher risk of mental decline
A clear connection between cognitive decline and neglected hearing loss has been demonstrated by scientists and researchers. This is one reason why delaying treatment is never a good plan.
Hearing loss will worsen if it goes untreated
Naturally, it’s evident that putting off treatment for hearing loss isn’t helpful for preserving your auditory health. You inadvertently cause more harm to your hearing if you delay getting a hearing exam or hearing aids if you need them.
You may find yourself constantly increasing the volume on your various devices, exacerbating the damage to your ears and speeding up the progression of hearing loss. Hearing aids can increase particular frequencies of sound thereby slowing down the progression of hearing loss.
The link to cognitive function
There’s a direct connection between your sense of hearing and your brain. Research indicates that untreated hearing loss can have substantial repercussions on mental function. Social isolation, often a consequence of diminished hearing, can result in mental health problems like depression and anxiety, which in turn can exacerbate cognitive decline over time.
Also, the recovery of healthy hearing function can be complicated because untreated hearing loss will force the brain to adjust by reallocating mental resources from other functions, such as visual processes, over to auditory processes.
Navigating neuroplasticity
In this scenario, neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt, can be both a friend and a foe. The brain will have a difficult time reverting back to its previous state after it rewires itself to accommodate for prolonged untreated hearing loss.
However, it isn’t impossible to undo these effects. In both the short and the long term, using hearing aids can bring significant benefits even if you’ve put off on getting treatment for some time.
Schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist
While timely treatment is ideal, it’s never too late to address hearing loss. Making an appointment with us as soon as you can is crucial, ensuring you can enjoy improved hearing and mental function going forward. Call today!