Your brain can be benefited by taking care of your hearing loss. At least, that’s according to a new study out of a University of Manchester research team. Over the period of around 20 years (1996 to 2014), nearly 2000 men and women were studied by these researchers. The unexpected outcome? Dealing with your loss of hearing can delay dementia by as much as 75%.
That is not an insignificant number.
Nevertheless, it’s not really all that unexpected. That’s not to take away from the weight of the finding, of course, that type of statistical relationship between hearing loss treatment and the struggle against dementia is noteworthy and eye-popping. But it coordinates well with what we currently know: treating your hearing loss is essential to slowing cognitive decline as you age.
How am I Impacted by This Research?
You can’t always believe the content presented in scientific studies because it can often be contradictory. There are many unrelated reasons for this. The main point here is: this new study is yet further proof that suggests neglected hearing loss can lead to or exacerbate mental decline including dementia.
So for you personally, what does this mean? It’s straightforward in some ways: you need to set up an appointment with us as soon as possible if you’ve observed any loss of hearing. And you should start using that hearing aid as advised if you discover you need one.
Hearing Aids Assist in Preventing Dementia When You Use Them Regularly
Sadly, when people are prescribed with hearing aids, they don’t always instantly get into the habit of using them. Some of the reasons why are:
- The hearing aid doesn’t feel as if it fits very well. If you are suffering from this problem, please give us a call. They can fit better and we’re here to help.
- The way hearing aids look worries you. These days, we have lots of styles available which might amaze you. Additionally, many hearing aid styles are created to be very discreet.
- Peoples voices are difficult to understand. Your brain doesn’t always immediately adapt to hearing voices. There are some things we can recommend, such as reading along with an audiobook, that can help make this situation go more smoothly.
- The way that the hearing aid is advertised 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.
Your future cognitive faculties and even your overall health are undoubtedly impacted by wearing hearing aids. We can help if you’re trying to cope with any of the above. 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.
And taking into consideration these new findings, dealing with your hearing loss is more significant than it ever was. Take the treatment seriously because hearing aids are defending your hearing and your mental health.
Dementia And Hearing Aids, What’s The Connection?, What’s The Relationship?
So what’s the actual link between loss of hearing and dementia? Social solitude is the leading theory but experts are not completely certain. Many people, when dealing with loss of hearing, become less socially active. Another theory has to do with sensory stimulation. All senses induce activity in the brain, and some experts theorize that losing stimulation can result in cognitive decline over a period of time.
You hear better with a hearing aid. Providing a natural safeguard for your brain against cognitive decline and helping to keep your brain active. That’s why dealing with hearing loss can delay dementia by up to 75% percent and why it shouldn’t be unexpected that there is a link between the two.