Your brain can be benefited by treating your hearing loss. At least, that’s according to a new study by a team of analysts from the University of Manchester. These analysts looked at a team of around 2000 individuals over a time period of approximately twenty years (1996 to 2014). The attention-getting results? Managing your loss of hearing can delay dementia by as much as 75%.
That is not a small figure.
But still, it’s not really that unexpected. The importance of the finding, of course, is still relevant, that type of statistical correlation between hearing loss treatment and the battle against dementia is important and shocking. But the information we already have aligns well with these findings: treating your hearing loss is vital to slowing dementia as you get older.
How am I Impacted by This Research?
You can’t always rely on the information provided in scientific studies because it can frequently be inconsistent. The causes for that are long, diverse, and not really that relevant to our topic here. The bottom line is: yet another piece of evidence, this research indicates untreated hearing loss can lead to or exacerbate mental decline including dementia.
So what does this mean for you? In certain ways, it’s quite basic: if you’ve noticed any probable symptoms of hearing loss, make an appointment with us in the near future. And you should begin using that hearing aid as advised if you find out you require one.
When You Wear Them Regularly, Hearing Aids Can Help Prevent Dementia
Unfortunately, when people are prescribed with hearing aids, they don’t always immediately get into the habit of using them. The often cited reasons why include:
- You’re worried about how hearing aids look. Today, we have lots of variations available which might amaze you. Additionally, many hearing aid styles are designed to be very discreet.
- Peoples voices are difficult to make out. Your brain doesn’t always immediately adapt to hearing voices. There are things we can recommend, like reading along with an audiobook, that can help make this endeavor go more smoothly.
- The hearing aid doesn’t feel as if it fits well. If you are having this problem, please give us a call. We can help make it fit better.
- The hearing aid doesn’t feel like it works the way it should. Many people need to have their settings adjusted, and calibration problems are definitely something that can be addressed by our hearing specialists.
Your future mental abilities and even your overall health are clearly affected by wearing hearing aids. If you’re trying to cope with any of the above, get in touch with us for an adjustment. Quite often the answer will take time or patience, but consulting your hearing specialist to make sure your hearing aids work for you is just part of the process.
It’s more important than ever to treat your hearing loss especially in the light of the new evidence. Hearing aids are protecting your hearing health and your mental health so it’s important to take that treatment seriously.
What’s The Connection Between Dementia And Hearing Aids?
So why are these two problems dementia and hearing loss even associated to begin with? Analysts themselves aren’t completely certain, but some theories are associated with social isolation. When suffering from loss of hearing, some people seclude themselves socially. Sensory stimulation is the foundation of another theory. With time, if a person loses sensory stimulation, like hearing loss, the brain receives less activity which then causes mental decline.
Your hearing aid allows you to hear better. And that can help keep your brain active, offering a more potent natural safeguard against dementia and cognitive decline. That’s why treating hearing loss can slow dementia by up to 75% percent and why it shouldn’t be surprising that there is a connection between the two.