Your brain can be helped by treating your hearing loss. At least, that’s according to a new study by a group of researchers out of the University of Manchester. These analysts considered a group of more than 2000 individuals over a time period of almost 2 decades (1996 to 2014). The unexpected outcome? Managing your hearing loss can slow dementia by up to 75%.
That is not an insignificant number.
But still, it’s not really that surprising. That’s not to take away from the weight of the finding, of course, that type of statistical correlation between hearing loss treatment and the battle against dementia is noteworthy and shocking. But it coordinates well with what we already know: as you age, it’s crucial to treat your hearing loss if you want to slow down dementia.
How am I Impacted by This Research?
Scientific studies can be inconsistent and perplexing (should I eat eggs, shouldn’t I eat eggs? What about wine? Will that help me live longer?). There are many unrelated causes for this. Because here’s the main point: this new research is yet another piece of evidence that reveals untreated loss of hearing can result in or exacerbate mental decline including dementia.
So what does this indicate for you? It’s very simple in several ways: you should come see us immediately if you’ve observed any loss of hearing. And you really should begin wearing that hearing aid as advised if you discover you need one.
Hearing Aids Assist in Preventing Dementia When You Use Them Regularly
Unfortunately, when people are prescribed with hearing aids, they don’t always instantly get into the habit of wearing them. The usual reasons why include:
- The hearing aid doesn’t feel 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.
- It’s hard to understand voices. Your brain doesn’t always instantly adapt to understanding voices. There are some things we can recommend, including reading along with an audiobook, that can make this situation go more smoothly.
- You’re concerned about how hearing aids appear. Presently, we have a lot of models available which might surprise you. Some models are so subtle, you might not even see them.
- The hearing aid doesn’t feel as if it fits properly. If you are having this issue, please let us know. They can fit better and we’re here to help.
Your future mental abilities and even your overall health are obviously affected by using hearing aids. We can help if you’re having difficulties with any of the above. Sometimes the solution will take time or patience, but working with your hearing professional to make sure your hearing aids work for you is a part of the process.
It’s more significant than ever to manage your hearing loss specifically in the light of the new evidence. Hearing aids are defending your hearing health and your mental health so it’s essential to take that treatment seriously.
Hearing Aids And Dementia, What’s The Link?
So what’s the real connection between dementia and loss of hearing? Specialists themselves aren’t exactly certain, but some theories are associated with social solitude. Some people, when dealing with hearing loss, become less socially involved. Yet another theory has to do with sensory stimulation. All senses generate activity in the brain, and some scientists theorize that the loss of stimulation can cause cognitive decline over a period of time.
You hear better with a hearing aid. And that can help keep your brain active, providing a more effective 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 down dementia by as much as 75%.