Treating your loss of hearing can be good for your brain. At least, that’s according to a new study by a team of analysts out of the University of Manchester. These researchers looked at a group of around 2000 participants over a time period of almost twenty years (1996 to 2014). The outstanding findings? Dealing with your hearing loss can delay dementia by as much as 75%.
That’s a significant number.
But is it really that surprising? That’s not to detract from the weight of the finding, of course, that sort of statistical connection between hearing loss treatment and the fight against dementia is noteworthy and shocking. But it aligns well with what we already know: treating your loss of hearing is vital to slowing dementia as you age.
What Does This Research on Dementia Mean For me?
Scientific research can be perplexing and inconsistent (should I eat eggs, shouldn’t I eat eggs? How about wine? Will that help me live longer?). There are many unrelated reasons for this. The main point here is: yet another piece of evidence, this research reveals untreated hearing loss can lead to or worsen cognitive decline including dementia.
So what does this mean for you? It’s very simple in many ways: if you’ve noticed any probable symptoms of hearing loss, make an appointment with us as soon as you can. And you need to start using that hearing aid as directed if you find out you need one.
When You Wear Them Correctly, Hearing Aids Can Counter Dementia
Regrettably, not everyone falls directly into the habit of wearing a prescribed pair of hearing aids. The often cited reasons why include:
- The hearing aid isn’t feeling like it fits comfortably. If you are suffering from this problem, please let us know. They can fit better and we’re here to help.
- Voices are difficult to understand. In many situations, it takes time for your brain to adapt to recognizing voices again. There are things we can recommend, like reading along with an audiobook, that can make this process easier.
- How hearing aids look worries you. You’d be amazed at the assortment of styles we have available nowadays. Some models are so discreet, you might not even notice them.
- The hearing aid doesn’t seem like it works as advertised. 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 faculties and even your health in general are undoubtedly impacted by wearing hearing aids. If you’re having difficulties with any of the above, get in touch with us for an adjustment. Consulting your hearing expert to make sure your hearing aids are working for you is just part of the process and it calls for 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 vital to take that treatment seriously.
What’s The Connection Between Hearing Aids And Dementia?
So why are these two health conditions dementia and loss of hearing even linked in the first place? Experts themselves aren’t exactly certain, but some theories are related to social isolation. Many people, when faced with loss of hearing, become less socially involved. Another theory concerns sensory stimulation. Over time, if a person loses sensory stimulation, like hearing loss, the brain receives less activity which then causes mental decline.
Your hearing aid will help you hear better. And that can help keep your brain active, offering a more potent natural defense against dementia and cognitive decline. That’s why a connection between the two shouldn’t be surprising and why hearing loss treatments can slow down dementia by as much as 75%.