Your brain can be benefited by taking care of your loss of hearing. At least, that’s according to a new study from a University of Manchester research group. These researchers looked at a group of around 2000 individuals over the course of just about twenty years (1996 to 2014). The outstanding conclusions? Dementia can be slowed by as much as 75% by dealing with loss of hearing.
That’s a substantial figure.
But still, it’s not really all that unexpected. The importance of the finding, of course, is still useful, this is an important statistical connection between the struggle against dementia and the treatment of hearing loss. But the insight we already have aligns well with these findings: as you get older, it’s essential to treat your hearing loss if you want to delay dementia.
How am I Impacted by This Research?
You can’t always rely on the information presented in scientific studies because it can commonly be inconsistent. There are countless unrelated causes for this. The bottom line is: yet another piece of evidence, this research indicates untreated hearing loss can result in or worsen mental decline including dementia.
So what does this indicate for you? It’s simple in some ways: you need to come see us immediately if you’ve noticed any hearing loss. And you need to start using that hearing aid as directed if you find out you require one.
When You Use Them Correctly, Hearing Aids Can Help Counter Dementia
Unfortunately, not everybody falls directly into the practice of wearing a prescribed pair of hearing aids. Some of the reasons why are:
- The way hearing aids look worries you. You’d be amazed at the assortment of styles we have available nowadays. Plus, many hearing aid models are manufactured to be very discreet.
- It’s challenging to make out voices. Your brain doesn’t always instantly adapt to hearing voices. There are some things we can recommend, like reading along with an audiobook, that can make this situation go more smoothly.
- The hearing aid doesn’t feel as if it fits comfortably. If you are experiencing this issue, please give us a call. They can fit better and we’re here to help.
- 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.
Clearly wearing your hearing aids is crucial to your health and future cognitive faculties. We can help if you’re trying to cope with any of the above. At times the answer will take patience and time, but working with your hearing specialist to ensure your hearing aids work for you is a part of the process.
And taking into consideration these new findings, managing your hearing loss is more significant than ever before. Be serious about the treatment because hearing aids are safeguarding your hearing and your mental health.
What’s The Connection Between Dementia And Hearing Aids?
So what’s the actual link between dementia and hearing loss? Analysts themselves aren’t exactly certain, but some theories are related to social isolation. Many people, when faced with loss of hearing, become less socially active. Sensory stimulation is the foundation of another theory. All senses generate activity in the brain, and some experts theorize that the loss of stimulation can cause cognitive decline over a period of time.
Your hearing aid allows you to hear better. Supplying a natural defense for your brain against cognitive decline and helping to keep your brain active. That’s why taking care of hearing loss can slow dementia by as much as 75% percent and why it shouldn’t be unexpected that there is a connection between the two.