Hearing loss is generally accepted as simply a normal part of the aging process: as we age, we start to hear things a little less clearly. Maybe we start turning the volume up on the TV or keep asking our grandchildren to speak up when they’re talking to us, or maybe we begin to forget things?
Loss of memory is also frequently regarded as a normal part of aging because the senior population is more prone to Alzheimer’s and dementia than the general population. But what if the two were in some way connected? And, better yet, what if there was a way to address hearing loss and also safeguard your memories and mental health?

The connection between mental decline and hearing loss

Most people do not associate hearing loss with mental decline and dementia. Nevertheless, the link is quite clear if you look in the appropriate places: studies reveal that there is a considerable risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-like conditions if you also have hearing loss – even at relatively low levels of hearing impairment.
Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression are also fairly prevalent in individuals who have hearing loss. Your ability to socialize is impacted by cognitive decline, mental health problems, and hearing loss which is the common thread.

Why is cognitive decline affected by hearing loss?

There is a link between hearing loss and cognitive decline, and though there’s no solid proof that there is a direct cause and effect association, experts are investigating some compelling clues. They believe two main situations are responsible: the inability to socialize and your brain working overtime.
Countless studies show that isolation results in depression and anxiety. And when people have hearing loss, they’re less likely to interact socially with others. Many people who suffered from hearing loss find it’s too hard to participate in conversations or can’t hear well enough to enjoy things like going to the movies. Mental health problems can be the outcome of this path of isolation.

Additionally, researchers have found that the brain frequently has to work overtime to make up for the fact that the ears can’t hear clearly. Eventually, the part of the brain responsible for other tasks, like holding memories, has to use some of its resources to help the region of the brain responsible for hearing. Cognitive decline will then progress faster than normal as the overworked brain strains to keep up.

How to prevent mental decline with hearing aids

The weapon against mental health issues and mental decline is hearing aids. Studies show that people improved their cognitive functions and were at a reduced risk of developing dementia when they used hearing aids to deal with their hearing loss.
We would see fewer cases of cognitive decline and mental health issues if more people would just use their hearing aids. Of all the individuals who need hearing aids, only between 15% and 30% actually use them, that’s between 5 and 9 million people. The World Health Organization estimates that there are nearly 50 million people who deal with some kind of dementia. For many people and families, the quality of life will be enhanced if hearing aids can decrease that number by even a couple million people.
Are you ready to improve your hearing and protect your memory at the same time? Get on the path to better hearing and improved mental health by reaching out to us for an appointment.

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References

https://hearinghealthfoundation.org/blogs/protecting-your-hearing-means-protecting-your-mental-health