Your brain can be benefited by dealing with your loss of hearing. At least, that’s according to a new study by a group of researchers out of the University of Manchester. These analysts considered a group of more than 2000 individuals over a time period of approximately twenty years (1996 to 2014). The outstanding conclusions? Dementia can be slowed by as much as 75% by treating hearing loss.
That is not a small figure.
But still, it’s not all that surprising. That’s not to detract from the significance of the finding, of course, this is an important statistical correlation between the struggle against cognitive decline and the treatment of hearing loss. But it coordinates well with what we already know: treating your loss of hearing is imperative to slowing cognitive decline as you get older.
What Does This Research on Dementia Mean For me?
You can’t always believe the information provided in scientific research because it can often be contradictory. The causes for that are lengthy, diverse, and not very pertinent to our topic here. The main point here is: this new study is yet further proof that suggests untreated hearing loss can lead to or worsen mental decline including dementia.
So what does this mean for you? In some ways, it’s quite basic: if you’ve noticed any possible indications of hearing loss, make an appointment with us soon. And you really should begin using that hearing aid as directed if you find out you need one.
Hearing Aids Assist in Preventing Dementia When You Wear Them Regularly
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:
- The hearing aid isn’t feeling like it fits well. If you are experiencing this issue, please give us a call. They can fit better and we’re here to help.
- How hearing aids look concerns you. You’d be amazed at the wide variety of designs we have available currently. In addition, many hearing aid styles are manufactured to be very unobtrusive.
- It’s challenging to make out voices. Your brain doesn’t always immediately adapt to hearing voices. There are some things we can suggest, including reading along with an audiobook, that can make this endeavor easier.
- 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.
Your future cognitive abilities and even your overall health are undoubtedly affected by using hearing aids. If you’re having difficulties with any of the above, get in touch with us for an adjustment. Working with your hearing professional to make sure your hearing aids are working for you is just part of the process and it demands time and patience.
It’s more significant than ever to deal with your hearing loss particularly taking into consideration the new evidence. Take the treatment seriously because hearing aids are safeguarding your hearing and your mental health.
What’s The Connection Between Hearing Aids And Dementia?
So what’s the actual link between hearing loss and dementia? Social solitude is the prominent theory but scientists are not 100% sure. When coping with hearing loss, some people seclude themselves socially. Yet another theory concerns sensory stimulation. Over the years, if a person loses sensory stimulation, like hearing loss, the brain receives less activity which then leads to mental decline.
You hear better when you wear your hearing aid. And that can help keep your brain active, providing a more powerful natural defense 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.