Taking care of your hearing loss can be good for your brain. At least, that’s according to a new study from a University of Manchester research group. Over the period of about 20 years (1996 to 2014), nearly 2000 people were examined by these analysts. The striking outcome? Dealing with your hearing loss can slow down dementia by up to 75%.
That’s a considerable number.
But still, it’s not really that surprising. The importance of the finding, of course, is still useful, that kind of statistical correlation between hearing loss treatment and the fight against dementia is noteworthy and shocking. But it coordinates well with what we currently know: treating your hearing loss is vital to slowing cognitive decline as you age.
How am I Impacted by This Research?
Scientific studies can be inconsistent and perplexing (should I eat eggs, should I not eat eggs? How about wine? Will drinking wine help me live longer?). The reasons for that are long, diverse, and not all that pertinent to our discussion here. Because here’s the main point: yet further proof, this research implies neglected hearing loss can result in or worsen mental decline including dementia.
So what does this mean for you? It’s very simple in many ways: you need to come see us right away if you’ve noticed any hearing loss. And you need to begin using that hearing aid as advised if you find out you require one.
Hearing Aids Help Prevent Dementia When You Wear Them Correctly
Unfortunately, not everyone falls directly into the practice of using a prescribed pair of hearing aids. The usual reasons why include:
- 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.
- Peoples voices are difficult to understand. In some instances, it takes time for your brain to adjust to hearing voices again. There are some things we can suggest, such as reading along with an audiobook, that can help make this situation easier.
- The hearing aid doesn’t feel as if it fits perfectly. If you are suffering from this problem, please give us a call. They can fit better and we’re here to help.
- How hearing aids look worries you. Presently, we have a lot of designs available which might surprise you. Additionally, many hearing aid styles are designed to be very discreet.
Your future mental faculties and even your overall health are obviously impacted by using hearing aids. We can help if you’re having difficulties with any of the above. Consulting your hearing professional to make sure your hearing aids are working for you is just part of the process and it calls for time and patience.
It’s more significant than ever to manage your loss of hearing specifically taking into consideration the new evidence. Be serious about the treatment because hearing aids are protecting your hearing and your mental health.
Dementia And Hearing Aids, What’s The Connection?, What’s The Relationship?
So why are these two health conditions loss of hearing and dementia even associated to begin with? Scientists themselves aren’t completely certain, but some theories are associated with social solitude. Many people, when dealing with loss of hearing, become less socially involved. Sensory stimulation is the basis of another theory. With time, if a person loses sensory stimulation, like hearing loss, the brain receives less activity which then leads to cognitive decline.
Your hearing aid will help you hear better. And that can help keep your brain active, offering a more potent natural safeguard against dementia and cognitive decline. That’s why a link between the two should not be unexpected and why hearing loss treatments can slow dementia by up to 75%.