Treating your hearing loss can be good for your brain. At least, that’s according to a new study by a group of researchers from the University of Manchester. Over the period of approximately 20 years (1996 to 2014), nearly 2000 people were examined by these investigators. The striking outcome? Dementia can be delayed by as much as 75% by dealing with hearing loss.
That is not a small number.
Nevertheless, it’s not really all that surprising. That’s not to take away from the importance of the finding, of course, this is an important statistical connection between the battle against dementia and the treatment of hearing loss. But the insight we already have coordinates with these findings: treating your loss of hearing is vital to slowing dementia as you age.
How am I Impacted by This Research?
You can’t always believe the information provided in scientific studies because it can in many cases be inconsistent. There are lots of unrelated reasons for this. Because here’s the main point: yet another piece of evidence, this research implies neglected hearing loss can result in or worsen cognitive decline including dementia.
So what does this mean for you? It’s very simple in several ways: you should come see us as soon as possible if you’ve noticed any hearing loss. And you should begin wearing that hearing aid as advised if you find out you need one.
Hearing Aids Help Prevent Dementia When You Wear Them Regularly
Regrettably, when most people are prescribed with hearing aids, they don’t always instantly get into the habit of wearing them. Some of the reasons why are:
- The hearing aid doesn’t seem 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.
- How hearing aids look worries you. You’d be surprised at the range of styles we have available nowadays. Plus, many hearing aid models are designed to be very discreet.
- The hearing aid isn’t feeling as if it fits properly. If you are having this issue, please get in touch with us. They can fit better and we’re here to help.
- Peoples voices are difficult to understand. In some situations, it takes time for your brain to adapt to recognizing voices again. We can recommend things to do to help make this endeavor easier, like reading along with an audiobook.
Obviously wearing your hearing aids is essential to your health and future cognitive faculties. If you’re struggling with any of the above, get in touch with us for an adjustment. At times the solution will take time or patience, but working with your hearing specialist to make sure your hearing aids are working for you is just part of the process.
And in light of these new findings, dealing with your hearing loss is more important than ever. Hearing aids are defending your hearing health and your mental health so it’s vital to take that treatment seriously.
What’s The Connection Between Dementia And Hearing Aids?
So what’s the real link between dementia and loss of hearing? Social solitude is the leading theory but scientists are not completely sure. When dealing with loss of hearing, some people hide themselves away socially. Sensory stimulation is the basis of another theory. Over the years, if a person loses sensory stimulation, such as hearing loss, the brain receives less activity which then results in cognitive decline.
You hear better with a hearing aid. And that can help keep your brain active, offering a more powerful natural safeguard against dementia and cognitive decline. That’s why a link between the two shouldn’t be unexpected and why hearing loss treatments can slow down dementia by as much as 75%.
