Taking care of your hearing loss can be good for your brain. At least, that’s according to a new study out of a University of Manchester research group. Over the period of about 20 years (1996 to 2014), nearly 2000 men and women were studied by these scientists. The outstanding results? Dementia can be delayed by as much as 75% by dealing with hearing loss.
That is not an insignificant number.
But is it really that surprising? That’s not to detract from the weight of the finding, of course, this is an important statistical correlation between the battle against cognitive decline and the treatment of hearing loss. But it aligns well with what we already know: treating your hearing loss is essential to slowing dementia as you get older.
How am I Impacted by This Research?
You can’t always trust the information presented in scientific research because it can frequently be inconsistent. There are many unrelated causes for this. The bottom line is: this new study is yet another piece of evidence that reveals neglected loss of hearing can lead to or worsen mental decline including dementia.
So for you personally, what does this imply? It’s simple in several ways: you should set up an appointment with us as soon as possible if you’ve observed any loss of hearing. And, if you need a hearing aid, you need to absolutely begin using that hearing aid as directed.
When You Wear Them Regularly, Hearing Aids Can Forestall Dementia
Sadly, not everyone falls right into the habit of using a prescribed pair of hearing aids. Some of the reasons why are:
- How hearing aids look concerns you. You’d be surprised at the range of models we have available now. Also, many hearing aid styles are manufactured to be very unobtrusive.
- The hearing aid doesn’t feel as if it fits comfortably. If you are suffering from this problem, please let us know. They can fit better and we’re here to help.
- The way that the hearing aid is supposed to work, doesn’t seem 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.
- It’s hard to make out voices. Your brain doesn’t always immediately adapt to understanding voices. There are some things we can suggest, like reading along with an audiobook, that can make this endeavor go more smoothly.
Obviously using your hearing aids is important to your health and future mental abilities. We can help if you’re struggling with any of the above. Working with your hearing professional to make certain your hearing aids are working for you is just part of the process and it calls for time and patience.
And taking into consideration these new findings, managing your hearing loss is more important than it ever was. Hearing aids are protecting your hearing health and your mental health so it’s vital to take that treatment seriously.
Dementia And Hearing Aids, What’s The Connection?, What’s The Link?
So why are these two conditions dementia and hearing loss even associated in the first place? Analysts themselves aren’t completely sure, but some theories are related to social isolation. Many people, when faced with loss of hearing, become less socially involved. Another theory relates to sensory stimulation. With time, if a person loses sensory stimulation, like hearing loss, the brain receives less activity which then leads to cognitive decline.
You hear better when you wear your hearing aid. Supplying 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 unexpected and why hearing loss treatments can slow down dementia by as much as 75%.