Treating your hearing loss can be helpful for your brain. At least, that’s according to a new study by a group of analysts out of the University of Manchester. Over the period of about 20 years (1996 to 2014), nearly 2000 individuals were evaluated by these analysts. The outstanding findings? Managing your hearing loss can slow down dementia by as much as 75%.
That is not a small number.
But is it really that surprising? The importance of the finding, of course, is still useful, that kind of statistical relationship between hearing loss treatment and the battle against dementia is noteworthy and stunning. But the insight we already have coordinates with these findings: treating your hearing loss is vital to slowing dementia as you get older.
What Does This Research on Dementia Mean For me?
You can’t always believe the content presented in scientific research because it can commonly be inconsistent. There are lots of unrelated causes for this. The bottom line is: yet further proof, this research suggests untreated hearing loss can lead to or worsen mental decline including dementia.
So for you personally, what does this mean? It’s straightforward in some ways: you need to come see us as soon as possible if you’ve observed any loss of hearing. And you really should start using that hearing aid as directed if you discover you need one.
When You Use Them Regularly, Hearing Aids Can Help Prevent Dementia
Regrettably, when 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 isn’t feeling as if it fits comfortably. If you are suffering from this issue, please get in touch with us. They can fit better and we’re here to help.
- It’s challenging to make out voices. In many instances, it takes time for your brain to adjust to hearing voices again. There are things we can recommend, like reading along with an audiobook, that can help make this situation go more smoothly.
- The way hearing aids look worries you. Nowadays, we have a lot of models available which might surprise you. Some models are so discreet, you might not even see them.
- 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 mental abilities and even your health in general are obviously affected by wearing hearing aids. We can help if you’re struggling with any of the above. Consulting your hearing specialist to make certain your hearing aids are working for you is just part of the process and it demands time and patience.
And in light of these new findings, managing your hearing loss is more important than ever before. Hearing aids are protecting your hearing health and your mental health so it’s essential to be serious about treatment.
Hearing Aids And Dementia, What’s The Relationship?
So why are these two problems dementia and hearing loss even linked to begin with? Specialists themselves aren’t exactly sure, but some theories are associated with social isolation. When suffering from loss of hearing, some people hide themselves away socially. A different theory has to do with sensory stimulation. Over the years, if a person loses sensory stimulation, such as hearing loss, the brain receives less activity which then leads to cognitive decline.
You hear better when you wear your hearing aid. Supplying a natural safeguard for your brain against cognitive decline and helping to keep your brain active. That’s why a connection between the two shouldn’t be unexpected and why hearing loss treatments can slow down dementia by up to 75%.
