Your brain can be benefited by dealing with your loss of hearing. At least, that’s according to a new study from a University of Manchester research team. These analysts considered a group of more than 2000 participants over a time period of approximately 2 decades (1996 to 2014). The attention-getting findings? Dementia can be slowed by up to 75% by treating hearing loss.
That’s a considerable number.
But is it actually that surprising? The significance of the finding, of course, is still useful, that sort of statistical correlation between hearing loss treatment and the battle against dementia is noteworthy and eye-popping. But it coordinates well with what we currently know: as you get older, it’s vital to treat your loss of hearing if you want to slow down cognitive decline.
How am I Impacted by This Research?
Scientific research can be contradictory and confusing (should I eat eggs, shouldn’t I eat eggs? How about wine? Will drinking wine help me live longer?). There are lots of unrelated causes for this. The bottom line is: yet further proof, this research reveals neglected loss of hearing can lead to or exacerbate mental decline including dementia.
So for you personally, what does this imply? It’s very simple in several ways: if you’ve observed any probable signs of hearing loss, make an appointment with us in the near future. And you need to begin using that hearing aid as advised if you discover you require one.
When You Wear Them Correctly, Hearing Aids Can Help Prevent Dementia
Regrettably, not everybody falls directly into the habit of wearing a prescribed pair of hearing aids. Some of the reasons why are:
- The hearing aid doesn’t feel as if it fits perfectly. If you are experiencing this issue, please let us know. We can help make it fit better.
- How hearing aids look concerns you. You’d be amazed at the wide variety of models we have available now. Also, many hearing aid styles are created to be very discreet.
- Voices are difficult to make out. In many instances, it takes time for your brain to adjust to hearing voices again. We can recommend things to do to help make this process go more smoothly, like reading along with a book recording.
- The way that the hearing aid is supposed to work, doesn’t appear 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 cognitive faculties and even your overall health are undoubtedly affected by wearing hearing aids. If you’re struggling with any of the above, come see us for an adjustment. Consulting your hearing professional to make certain 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, dealing with your hearing loss is more important than ever before. Hearing aids are protecting your hearing health and your mental health so it’s crucial to be serious about treatment.
Dementia And Hearing Aids, What’s The Connection?, What’s The Connection?
So what’s the real connection between hearing loss and dementia? Social isolation is the leading theory but scientists are not 100% certain. When dealing with hearing loss, some people hide themselves away socially. Sensory stimulation is the basis of another theory. All senses induce activity in the brain, and some scientists theorize that losing stimulation can lead to cognitive decline over time.
You hear better when you wear your hearing aid. And that can help keep your brain active, supplying a more robust natural safeguard against dementia and cognitive decline. That’s why treating hearing loss can delay dementia by as much as 75% percent and why it shouldn’t be surprising that there is a link between the two.